SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

This thread is basically a preview for some of my projects, some of which are actually completed. I would like to thank my teammates at New Horizons Productions for giving me the inspiration, and the need to make these kind of maps.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg241.imageshack.us%2Fimg241%2F9431%2Fkinbasketlaketw3.jpg&hash=b19b8dd77e88c67874bc91b08a46e28c26d12b8e)
Kinbasket Lake, north of Golden, BC, Canada. jplumbley has already accepted the large task of modifying this beauty. I changed some tiles, but not all of them, as I just DON'T FEEL LIKE IT! Anyways, this one is likely a future upload.

Next:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg207.imageshack.us%2Fimg207%2F7973%2Fmap66zf0.jpg&hash=1acb170c3a97dedcc1272881f6dd71edad661d3f)
This disaster is pure fantasy. Apparently, blade2k5 says it is a Minocqua Lakes (Wisconsin) template, which I later butchered by placing Mount Assiniboine (Alberta, BC) in the lower left corner, followed by an exaggerated Arizona Crater in the top center. This map is clearly out of this world. It is not nearly complete, and will take a great SC4TF user to complete it properly (I'm thinking wouanagaine!!). Anyways, this map is kinda a disaster to look at, but textured with the painted desert mod, it looks fabulous!

NEXT:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg263.imageshack.us%2Fimg263%2F8647%2Fmtrainiersummitig3.jpg&hash=17c5841532f7999c92588e214d3d6cc632746e75)
Well this map is already completed, however I thought it would be neat to showcase it to members of this site that have never seen it before. I've gotten a ton of positive feedback from this map, and apparently it was the map that went ahead and landed me a trixie (from what I'm told, anyways!!).

NEXT:

Mount Robson, West of Jasper on the Yellowhead highway. This monster is the king of the Rockies. I wouldn't upload this map (unless someone thinks I should...). It is 1025x1025, and I will more likely be dropping Mt Robson on a map that I edit for someone on SC4TF. This looks extremely accurate, especially on SC4TF using the 3D viewer function. It looks exactly like the pictures I have!!

Last, but not least:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg99.imageshack.us%2Fimg99%2F3382%2Fcolumbiarivervalleyoo0.jpg&hash=b130ff31a13bd9cb6690938d40bf865ffbfda063)
The Columbia River Valley south of Golden BC. I have sent this off to jplumbley awhile back for modification of the valley floor, and have been blown away by the results so far. He definitely takes his time. We actually have a City Journal at ST dedicated to the modification of the map, and a showcase of some great comparison shots. I will post some of these shots on one of my next posts!

I have tons of maps on the STEX at ST now. I would like to share them with this portion of the community (most members here are from ST anyways..). Interestingly enough, I have some great projects coming down the pipe:

Grand Teton National Park /w Jackson Wyoming
Zermatt Switzerland (Including the Swiss Matterhorn)
Banff National Park
The Princiapality of Andorra (Rayden knows this one)

These projects are primarily done, and I am waiting for the correct time to upload them.

I hope you guys enjoy this post!

wow


I spilled my Tea.
picks cup back up off floor, gets cloth to mop up my spilt tea :'(

I was that amazed by your pics.     &apls &apls

Its not often that I let good tea go to waste but on this occasion well..

Putting the kettle on       want one?

:satisfied:

beskhu3epnm, amigo, I never seen these pictures before  ??? . Simply amazing  :thumbsup:. Specially the third picture. The big mountain. I just cant imagine how long would it take to build that map (planting trees mostly).

Great showcase. Indeed  ;)

Stunning maps Beskhu3epnm. You are very skilled! Looking forward to more :thumbsup:

Great maps mate, after the one you made for me, the fourth one on this thread is my favourite. If you wish, you can show a preview of the one you gave me, as I can already announce here, that next month, when I am in holidays, and just after I come back from my snowtrip to the exactly same region (Andorra, Pirinees), I'll be moving my Els Pirineus CJ from ST to here, and introducing your map on that thread. It will be like an updated region from my small map to your massive one ;)
I will also need, if you still have, the exact coordinates of that map, so I can lay down the roads exactly where they are in RL.
I'll be enjoying this thread a lot, I love maps, specially yours ;)

Rayden,

It's usually comments like these that will keep me sticking around for a good while!! Happy to be of service to my community (here and elsewhere)!!

Andorra will be released after your CJ has debuted, (probably a good while after it has debuted). I know it will be a hit, as I have now checked out some photos of the area - incredible views abound.... I can't believe it. I feel as though I should travel there one day.

I will provide some screenshots of the map, as well as some 3D shots using the terraformer. Unfortunately, my hardware problem will not be rectified until a little later next week (sigh).

I get a feeling that you have some sort of attachment to Andorra. I find this similar to the way I have an attachment to my vacation area, The Columbia River Valley (Invermere Valley). I know the importance of accuracy, that's for sure. I have trouble deciding on how to release the map. Thanks to jplumbley, it got a little easier.

As for the co-ordinate points, I may have a problem. That data was stored on the terragen file that I made during the process of creating that map. That file has since been lost due to my hardware malfunction. I can always attempt a re-make of the map, if you would like these co-ordinates, as I still have the DEM data. I can even provide you a grid out of WGS84 - no problem.

Very solid maps! Pure quality  :thumbsup:

Excellent maps.

@beskhu3epnm - That would be just great.

A question for you please. BSC have started a new "Let's all play the same map" and the map picked was your original Mount Robson map which has now gone from the STEX. Colyn did a modified version which he uploaded to the BSC site. As your original is no longer available, may BSC upload the modified one here for anyone else who wishes to join in in? This is a Region Census image of the region as I have modified it further.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi5.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy171%2Fbarbyw%2FShosaloza.jpg&hash=78b6161ca8c3072e5fdf6196c956bf0d0df8078e)

Besk orignal map is still on STEX, it is here : http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17182 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17182). But we all have modifed it :)

That map is not the same as it is smaller in area and why I ask if we can post the modified one. The one modified by Colyn is the same size as the original but the terrain was lowered somewhat.

Hello Barby,

For sure you can use my map in this project, and upload it accordingly. I would much rather keep the original for the STEX (which is active - wouanagaine has the link above).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg224.imageshack.us%2Fimg224%2F8492%2Fmountrobsonregioncensusna4.jpg&hash=05873998ca58e7595eb3d61c4c76bfaa5bae91fc)
At this stage, the map is different enough than mine to warrant your own release. The terrain has been lowered to accomodate sea level, and it has been compressed so that Mt. Robson is a shadow of it's former self!!

Where it remains similar is the section of map where it was taken from, and the data used to create it. At that stage, it was still created by me.

Just post a credit that the original map was designed and uploaded by me, and that the BSC version is a modification (improvement?!?) on that map. That is all that I ask!

I'm going to check out your thread now. It is a very very good idea,

beskhu3epnm

best thread ever!

The best maps out there, imo.

I have used several of beskhu3epnm's maps and love the results.
I'm currently working on the Teton map, planting trees and plopping water.
Maybe, it will turn into a journal. I'm hoping so, if I can get the ploppable water looking decent.

Stunning maps stunning what more can I say :thumbsup:

Kind of cool to have a thread with my name on it. Might as well take advantage of it. These are comparison shots of maps that I have done that are already on the STEX, but I can't help sharing these here! Other NHP members will have seen these before, (no big deal for them, I suppose). Anyways:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg142.imageshack.us%2Fimg142%2F5540%2Fnhpmountassiniboineprovht5.jpg&hash=1c0881a935edd407f3d9062dc2c6740976e4ac41)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg142.imageshack.us%2Fimg142%2F263%2Fassiniboinerljz2.jpg&hash=3bda2c316dd5039b490e267eece7015e4b0aa594)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg61.imageshack.us%2Fimg61%2F8997%2Fbugaboohowsertowersc4tfpg7.jpg&hash=dbcfbe8b84055f9a699b40c3b01f3de7ce7fcbcb)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fim%3Cbr%2520%2F%253Eg232.imageshack.us%2Fimg232%2F9578%2Fhowsertowerrlbk2.jpg&hash=088bc3c30223bc0adf68d68b20e7cb102a530dc1)

I had an image where wouanagaine isolated the climber from the Howser Tower and placed it on the SC4TF comparison shot. Unfortunately, it is lost, but it was pretty funny.

This 16bit mapping stuff is pretty cool. I never imagined it was possible until lately....

You guys don't have to reply to this if you don't want to, I'm just finding things to post... no sweat!

Incredibly look a like. You don't cease to amazing me ;)

Looks very nice!

i can't believe how accurate the terrain representation is on these, your trixie was well deserved, these maps with the SC4TF have changed the game.

Great pictures. And scary at the same time! Looking forward to more  :thumbsup:

hey i have a question i want to change all the tiles around my downtown tile (which is large like all the others) to four groups of four medium tiles, i am familiar with configs and understand that i can just paint those areas as green, however this region as you saw already has some stuff done, can i do this in SC4TF without reloading every tile in the region and planting trees again.?

thanks

Hey Alek King,

Here is the best way I can think of at the moment.... &idea

1.  Save an SC4M of your region using SC4TF

2.  Open your region folder find the city tile you wish to change and delete the save game file  for it.

3.   Now open your config.bmp and change the blue pixels  you need to change and make them green.

4.  Open the region in SC4TF, make sure you lock all tiles that have any cities.

5.  Now Import your SC4M you created, because all the data will have been lost in that large city tile when you erased it.  This will recreated your land in the unlocked areas.  It should not create a problem in a city that has been built and you missed when locking everything.  But, lock them anyways just in case.

6.  Save your region.  And you are set to build in SC4.

Have Fun!!

JPlumbley

thanks a million
&dance &dance

Hello all,

With Christmas finally out of the way, NHP can finally upload the Columbia River Valley map. You can see some of it on JPlumbley's page, and over at Simtropolis under the CJ Creation of Map Invermere Valley.

Anyways, I will now post my final comparison shots using that map.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg145.imageshack.us%2Fimg145%2F6636%2F1152paradiseridgedo5.jpg&hash=a4a644f9b923c7b7a3646160b1c80614936018cd)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg145.imageshack.us%2Fimg145%2F3439%2Fmtnelson3az5.png&hash=501a83e230375f399ba78d3dcd3ac5eafc49b169)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg20.imageshack.us%2Fimg20%2F4452%2Fgoldieqw0.jpg&hash=dd5bdfe6e3c61b0243d9d3c0bbd27eb6f1ba9f9e)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg20.imageshack.us%2Fimg20%2F5194%2Fmtnelson2aw5.png&hash=9c659c11b2d3819d8f1f12760be3c4d2ffd899fb)

I will be announcing this maps release, as we have well over 4 months put into it!

Bravo. Not only for what you made in the game but also for getting there by bike!

Thank you!!

I've also been to the top of the featured mountain by foot. What an experience. The air is pretty thin at 10869ft (3313m), at least it was for me... Plus I was glad to be wearing a helmet on that one!!

btw the Invermere Valley map has been released:
http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17529 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17529)

That must have been an awesome ride down as well!

i  would much rather snowboard down something that tall! i guess u gotta do what ya gotta do in the summer.

Great stuff, amazing how you can recreate all those maps. When are you releasing your secret? ;) And ALEK is right, I second that, snowboarding all the way down would be amazing.  :thumbsup:

Looks great...

Beautiful Map (what else :))

And no way I'd want to be hardtailing it down that mountain...too bumpy! (ya, I know I'm soft).

Thanks for the comments on the map guys!!  I put a lot of work into the valley that is for sure!!  :satisfied:

Very nice terraforming :thumbsup:

Good Day, folks!

I have a new creation to showcase. It's called NHP Pacific Rim National Park by me. Here are some images:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg262.imageshack.us%2Fimg262%2F2407%2Fnhppacificrimnationalpa4qf.jpg&hash=229b28bebcaa8243c3d557b9805e9fbcdd222e10)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg263.imageshack.us%2Fimg263%2F7924%2Fnhppacificrimnationalpa8pb.jpg&hash=2a947eceaa1b1053583a280c61fb512c88f8a819)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg263.imageshack.us%2Fimg263%2F1434%2Ftofino3dpreview6gq.jpg&hash=f6b6ade3e62eda34354ba526da00a257b95e4778)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg54.imageshack.us%2Fimg54%2F5894%2Ftofino3dpreview21ty.jpg&hash=3ec61f1021a4beaebc407b9159f8c33136256f29)

Currently, until I find out a little bit more about the LEX, this map is available to ST users at this address:


The map is 1793x1793 (7x7 large tiles). It is pretty easy to build on, and with some creativity, a pretty wild looking city could be had!

NHP Pacific Rim National Park by beskhu3epnm (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17661)

If you are a LEXer only, sit tight!

Wonderful map, beskhu3epnm Very nice hills!

This is a very challenging map for every player. Mountains, hills, plains, water bodies, well, everything that a SC4 player may need  :thumbsup:

This is a very interesting map. I agree with Jeronij - it has everything one could ever wish. &apls

Awesome job on the map Bro!!  Keep up the good work.  Maybe you'll even get some downloads here and there lol

Wow, *flabbergasted*

These are really really great maps - makes my puny attempts look.... puny *grin*
Thank you so much for sharing wth us all your great work! and for inspiring us as well...

*proceeds to try and terraform a map... soon*

:thumbsup: &apls

Well the time is drawing near for my next mapping disaster (and I mean DISASTER).

The mighty and humble blade2k5 (mapping legend - I was spawned as a direct result of his existence in the mapping community) approached me several months back with a seemingly easy task. He offered me the chance to modify a lake template of a set of lakes in Wisconsin (Minocqua Lakes region).

I took him up on the offer. There was one condition. Don't mess with the lakes.

So I began tearing up the terrain, and began forming some mountains. I became "The Lord".

And on the 9th day, I became frustrated with my lack of skill on the terraformer while forming the northern mountain range. I conjured up a large meteor, and threw it at the mountain range:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg382.imageshack.us%2Fimg382%2F1705%2Fmap66cb1.jpg&hash=f5fbdade316d291da34f714bfd2ff98e90eb6547)
This was the end result. Instead of trying to repair the blast, I just left it, as fixing it would have taken too much time.

Just kidding, folks, I took a DEM image of the Arizona crater, amplified the size by like 5x, and dropped it on the map.

Keep an eye out for this one on the STEX, and on the LEX (I should be moving all of my stuff over there, as soon as I figure out how...).

NHP Map 66 by blade2k5 and beskhu3epnm

QuoteThe mighty and humble blade2k5 (mapping legend - I was spawned as a direct result of his existence in the mapping community)

Will you stop that!  You keep telling me how great I am is gonna go to my head sooner or later. :D

Anyways, the map looks great.  Love how you used the different terrain mods to get that look.  Brilliant my friend.  You did a fantastic job on the terraforming.  I absolutely love it!

OK time for some images from the map. These photos have been taken in 3D, and I can hopefully showcase my terraforming skillz (or lack of).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg61.imageshack.us%2Fimg61%2F3895%2F001bu2.jpg&hash=e7721d8c78d9fff05f4cf91455ca6b88e961ec42)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg66.imageshack.us%2Fimg66%2F3155%2Fcraterzoominzb9.jpg&hash=553a806d3ef2f57a8e7a531bb6355ca20bfd1c41)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg76.imageshack.us%2Fimg76%2F6651%2Fcraterzoomin2ea5.jpg&hash=61c2791e7894799e4e50466640547b23f7b9085a)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg66.imageshack.us%2Fimg66%2F3993%2Ffieldimageip2.jpg&hash=fefcf195b59a16baa64eb2aa75eda729c23f2e64)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg231.imageshack.us%2Fimg231%2F258%2F004ab9.jpg&hash=a73390ba137becc90e0b09fdc98456b92b6eb2db)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg66.imageshack.us%2Fimg66%2F5697%2F005ta1.jpg&hash=292de43e43c259eadd953b368ee8dcb97297b2fa)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg66.imageshack.us%2Fimg66%2F8797%2F006dd4.jpg&hash=07eb7e7fb76aa4fda0afa42b85a84f6a5130e2b8)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg231.imageshack.us%2Fimg231%2F1025%2F008cv4.jpg&hash=373aa9e033c6924b871060e6d368786a26ce87d0)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg76.imageshack.us%2Fimg76%2F1787%2F010sr6.jpg&hash=eb124e0c6d5249d548f93f6e2dec97cc89bd3033)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg231.imageshack.us%2Fimg231%2F7495%2F011wy9.jpg&hash=c30e9981a37874a1b36e311d6ae97894f2a79204)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg64.imageshack.us%2Fimg64%2F699%2F002fm4.jpg&hash=22ce21bcba41328f702d506252f78c3a6b8f58ea)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg235.imageshack.us%2Fimg235%2F6272%2F007ys3.jpg&hash=658ca6ca83e287c574dc2c1156bd35ef494a2ab4)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg235.imageshack.us%2Fimg235%2F4613%2F013jk8.jpg&hash=674b7b45ffa73710df4e96b3b74bb94b05b46226)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg234.imageshack.us%2Fimg234%2F9169%2F012ed8.jpg&hash=f0002cb3225fca7f7f7999f39b670e47965b9ffa)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg235.imageshack.us%2Fimg235%2F9401%2F009do7.jpg&hash=93cc731457f5f856fabb6e4da871994ebcb77571)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg234.imageshack.us%2Fimg234%2F2020%2F014jp4.jpg&hash=c136e0382878b2b8ac3b644bb6f78cd754f67154)

Check those out. This map is available now on the STEX, or soon on the LEX (with all of my projects - there will be a mass migration - all in one instant).
NHP Hephaestus by blade2k5 and beskhu3epnm (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17738)

btw if there are too many images, let me know, I can drop some....

Wow....I'm completely stunned! I hadn't seen this thread until now...the collective creaters at NHP are masterful when it comes to these maps....I'm completely floored by the realism you've been able to achieve...amazing  &apls

Well, I missed this one too. Another great map, and not for a change, because you never change, it's always these darn good maps. Can't you try to do a bad one for a change $%Grinno$%
Nicely done mate. :thumbsup:

Impressive crater  ??? !!! Again you made a little wonder from your art  ;)

Fierce, if only there were actually places this cool in wisconsin

Quote from: Alek King of SC4 on February 06, 2007, 06:08:46 AM
Fierce, if only there were actually places this cool in wisconsin

I agree with that.  All I see where I live are trees and swamp, frozen though it may with this deep freeze the country is in right now.

Quote from: Rayden on February 06, 2007, 05:04:26 AM
Well, I missed this one too. Another great map, and not for a change, because you never change, it's always these darn good maps. Can't you try to do a bad one for a change $%Grinno$%
Nicely done mate. :thumbsup:

Not possible.  I couldn't do a crappy map if I wanted too, I'm too much a perfectionist when it comes to my maps.

Quote from: Yoder7652 on February 05, 2007, 08:24:28 PM
Wow....I'm completely stunned! I hadn't seen this thread until now...the collective creaters at NHP are masterful when it comes to these maps....I'm completely floored by the realism you've been able to achieve...amazing  &apls

It's amazing ain't it?  If you look at some the first maps I've uploaded to the STEX, you can see the improvement from map to map as I went along.  Then wouanagaine created sc4tf and those hand-drawn in Paint maps look so...shall we say inferior to what sc4tf can do.

Thanks to everyone for the comments, it's very much aprreciated.

Ordinarily I do 1:1 scale maps of real world terrain. Every once in awhile I fire up the terraformer and give it a good run.

For me to do a crappy 1:1 scale map would mean that my world data source is inadequate. There have been a few that I refuse to release due to the lack of accuracy. This one was done by hand, with the exception of the crater (which was imposed on the map using photoshop - and it wasn't done very smoothly, as I had to create a set of mountains to make the whole thing seamless).

My terraforming on this map was the mountain range around the crater, and in the SW corner. When I terraform, there is always the chance that it will not turn out. I think this one worked out.

blade2k5 is the master of this type of map. Thanks for letting me take part.

The map is a little extreme, and likely won't generate a huge number of DL's, but I guarantee, the users of the map will be satisfied!!

Well, that post of mine above, was meant to be to beskhu3epnm, but, it applies to you too, blade2k5, coz I don't remember as well, seeing a crappy map of yours ;)

Fantastic region! The crater looks great! :thumbsup:

Coming to an STEX near you:

NHP Invermere Valley Mini-Maps
A series of 5 maps constructed by both jplumbley and beskhu3epnm together, each showcasing the style used by each author. The basis for this project is the Invermere Valley map, located on the STEX and LEX. Each map is custom made for the sea level in SC4 (for example, on most tiles, the valley floors can be over 800m, whereas with these maps, they are at the proper elevation).

NHP IVM Horsethief Creek
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg134.imageshack.us%2Fimg134%2F715%2Fhorsethiefcreektx2tq9.jpg&hash=a172cbf29e1c187be7edd6b23132d70f1db016cc)
NHP IVM Toby Creek
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg341.imageshack.us%2Fimg341%2F2204%2Ftobycreekvalleyej3bp5.jpg&hash=ffcfbdad9efd3ecb7fbac20927d5df78d66fb910)
NHP IVM Stormshoe Valley
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg468.imageshack.us%2Fimg468%2F7935%2Fstormshoevalleytm6wk8.jpg&hash=436c1ab03762562792249885e88f961314cce77e)
NHP IVM Rockford Valley
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg134.imageshack.us%2Fimg134%2F7917%2Frockfordvalleyvt3mw1.jpg&hash=460f81a60a15fabae5a9b60e3df90b2a66576718)
NHP IVM Invermere Lake
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg329.imageshack.us%2Fimg329%2F1594%2Finvermerelakelj1jm0.jpg&hash=77c32d41e497f2c76f7bf627b3dac2972ecf06ad)

These maps will be available here on the LEX starting sometime this evening. Horsethief Creek is the first one on the list. Every week, the next one down will be released.

We really hope you guys enjoy this project!

Those new maps you and jplumbley are working on are nothing short of amazing.  The same goes for all your other maps.  Looking forward to the new IVM series! :thumbsup:

-Tarkus

That are fantastic maps! Great work! :thumbsup:

Man o man. Just not enough time.
These are all beauties.
I could build on any of these and be happy indefinetly!

QuoteI could build on any of these and be happy indefinetly!

Yes, now it is the hard time to choose from which

Right on, guys!

IVM (Invermere Valley Map) Toby Creek will be available tomorrow on the STEX.... and if jplumbley comes on, tonight on the LEX!

Toby Creek Has been uploaded to the LEX!  &apls  We had some snow today in the area and I would have uploaded it earlier if I had gotten home earlier.  ()sad()

Anyways, just look under my name on the LEX and you will see the 4 maps from the IVM (Invermere Valley Mini) series that have been uploaded here now!

NHP IVM Steamboat Valley  :satisfied:
NHP IVM Horsethief Creek  :satisfied:
NHP IVM Toby Creek  :satisfied:
NHP Invermere Valley  :satisfied:

Hope you guys like it.  There are more to come still, and I am trying to convince Beskhu3epmn to work his magic  &hlp and make another mini map of the southern protion of the Invermere River Valley...  Maybe just maybe we will sneak  $%#Ninj2that one in there somewhere.

OK peoples, I know this probably won't get a lot of views, but nevertheless, I thought I should show everyone my latest work.

I will not be releasing a MD anytime soon, although this is the map I would use. What I did was, I made a second Invermere Valley Map, rotated it using my descretion, and used custom snow heights, and CPT trees (I filled the whole 12x12 map with trees - except for rock terrain (angles of 60 degrees or more) and snow areas). This is the end result. I used an image from region census. You will notice that shadows disappear as a result of city borders (a game limitation), so try to ignore that part. Without further adieux:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg112.imageshack.us%2Fimg112%2F2783%2Fcrv1pf4.jpg&hash=ff11ae8edf72120b01a2fa2bd5b09050fcb06657)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg66.imageshack.us%2Fimg66%2F8990%2Fcrv2bn4.jpg&hash=f60c47332b3e1ec7f285b7a03fd122f5631a20de)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg476.imageshack.us%2Fimg476%2F7138%2Fcrv3yw2.jpg&hash=d2f0fbc0186baf44c82cf2d467c1e5c57aeb0292)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg112.imageshack.us%2Fimg112%2F4848%2Fcrv4qv7.jpg&hash=e1291b0240ccbc971a1f28cf8fdc7a27d1106fbf)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg112.imageshack.us%2Fimg112%2F1913%2Fcrv5hd9.jpg&hash=4f34c1b8ca37acf60a436bc5825db034f83e861b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg476.imageshack.us%2Fimg476%2F5670%2Fcrv6yh5.jpg&hash=b1fcf7b46a089e520b2b80566989523ee01ce268)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg476.imageshack.us%2Fimg476%2F1562%2Fcrv7ss9.jpg&hash=a043f08781d45eadf6aa7d250e8092f90ef7f849)

wow.... What stunning work. I've never had the patience to use terraformer. so I hand terraformer which is also a pain.

You have inspired me to try terraformer again, of course I will do nothing like the works of art I see above, must go I think I have the Tate Modern calling  :satisfied:

Humble SC4D readers.

I have returned from a hiatus. Although not formally announced, the hiatus presented itself to me so I took it (although no one really noticed my absence!).

I have decided to begin the renaissance. Those who remember my first projects (search beskhu3epnm at ST - first projects) will be glad to know they will be reformatted to 16bit maps. This will mark the potential end of my mapping career, and mark the beginning of either a career in Lotting or BATing. Unless I find it too difficult, in which case I will just do some more maps.

I will also be gradually moving my collection over here to SC4D from ST.

SCS looks like it has no potential for creating maps. SC4 forever!!!

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on June 29, 2007, 05:27:05 AM
Humble SC4D readers.

I have returned from a hiatus. Although not formally announced, the hiatus presented itself to me so I took it (although no one really noticed my absence!).

I have decided to begin the renaissance. Those who remember my first projects (search beskhu3epnm at ST - first projects) will be glad to know they will be reformatted to 16bit maps. This will mark the potential end of my mapping career, and mark the beginning of either a career in Lotting or BATing. Unless I find it too difficult, in which case I will just do some more maps.

I will also be gradually moving my collection over here to SC4D from ST.

SCS looks like it has no potential for creating maps. SC4 forever!!!

Wrong, I did, but RL hits us all, and I just thought you're too busy with other things. I myself, haven't been too much around, busy with other things, but I know, at least there is one person wondering why I haven't been much around his pages/projects. Sorry David, gotta drop you a message soon too. ;)
About you besk, hope to see your maps soon, I still have you master piece to develop one of these days, but as I told you, you can release it if you like. I'll still do it no matter what. ;)

See ya soon
Silvio

Ah yes, in the depths of my catalogue I have several "one-off" projects that have been special made for ST/SC4D membership.

I might as well get them out of my system shortly, as the locations are too good to ignore! The custom map for AK is another that jumps to mind. I also have a special map called "The Sleeping Giant" that I would like to release as well.... man - they just keep piling up!!

Silvio, your map may well be released shortly... Good to see you around as well!!

SC4 forever  :thumbsup: ¡¡¡

Great to see you back, and full of energy  ;)

I am now beginning to package NHP Andorra for release. This can take up to 2 days witout a template!!

Folks, I think that this is an excellent map. I hope you all will enjoy it! It is 9x9 (81) large tiles in size. It is very mountainous, and may be somewhat difficult to build on. Judging from the local talent here on SC4D, it shouldn't be an issue. Here is the preview shot:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F501%2Fnhpandorraregioncensusphr2.jpg&hash=2483113783917169e567ddb8e99bd0a7e5f1fcc8)

Custom versions of the original Columbus Terrain Mod are included. They include custom snow elevations, etc. Be sure to at least try this map out....

Credits:
Rayden (the mighty Silvio) for the idea and inspiration. His CJ will one day take place on this beast!!

I like that map with the Lake from IVM....

been tempted by it many times...  :)

I'm glad you released it, it would be a shame to have a map like that hidden any longer. Like you said, I will domesticate that beast one of these days. Guys, this is a very accurate map of Andorra, I can even spot without any difficulty the exact area where every year I became a teenager, grab my snowboard and surf down all those magnificent slopes.

Be sure you try that out, I mean the map, not the snowboard, unless you're as insane as I am $%Grinno$%

Hey, wonderful maps!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg476.imageshack.us%2Fimg476%2F1562%2Fcrv7ss9.jpg&hash=a043f08781d45eadf6aa7d250e8092f90ef7f849)

Just wondering, have you uploaded this to anywhere? I'd like to try it out.

Hey Shadow Assassin,

I have not uploaded that particular map to the LEX, or STEX, however a version links here:
NHP Invermere Valley by beskhu3epnm and JPlumbley (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17529)
and also on the LEX under the user JPlumbley.

The differences are subtle:
The one on the STEX/LEX was made using more rudimentary skills than I currently employ, however the result is quite impressive. Also, that was a joint projekt with my pal JP. He custom detailed the valley for SC4 (the original draft had an impossibly rough valley).

The one you see there is one I employ in my personal collection. It is of course, fully treed.... rotated a little more so that the valley runs more North/South, and marginally better scaled (perfect 1:1, the other is like 1.0034:1) and does not have any modifications made to the valley.

I did not believe there was any "market" for this map, as the other covers all of the bases (there isn't much market for any 12x12 large tile map anywhere to begin with!!).

If you are interested in this particular map, I may have to re-do it, as I've built on it with no backup.... (I may have one). Let me know.

The beauty is that it covers a large area, is 1:1 scale, and employs RL data in elevations (this being a RL location). It's extremely accurate.

If you are interested, I may be able to post some more nature shots of the map. It is quite beautiful... (I had to plop trees in 144 large city tiles - 35 seconds each - argh).

That's a bit of a shame - it is a beautiful map. I actually already have the Invermere Valley map, but it ah, doesn't really quite suit what I'm looking for. Plus, I've already built on it. I'm actually looking for a valley map that runs north-south, with a large river going through.

I certainly wouldn't mind seeing some shots of what you've done in that valley so far.

Hmm. :P Don't you still have a backup in SC4M format? :P

I can get you some images, you can count on that - just keep an eye on my thread for some updates. Maybe today!!

I can re-do the map, possibly for release (we'll see how much interest it will generate). I can also send you a version of the map via e-mail, although the attachment size will be around 10MB (12x12 large tiles) in size.

I have no backup, and I've begun modifying the valley floor as per what I'm building on it, so currently there are some pretty extensive mods to it (unfortunately). I didn't bother saving the darn thing, and only realized that recently.

I have a cache on the steps to build it, and it should only take around 15 mins to make if you are major-league interested. I'll consider it as a request.

So.... give me maybe up to 6hrs? heh...

 :o Fantastic map. I really would like to download it. I hope you'll release it.

Shadow Assassin: I've re-done a map of the valley, and it's of very similar proportions to the one I possess. There are a couple of differences. For one, the map I have contains RL elevations (798m - 3483m), meaning I have a custom plugin to raise sea level to 798m (underwater data brings it to 760m min). This map has simply been lowered. I've also covered further north on the valley, as this area contains Birthday and Eyebrow (For a quick tutorial on the areas mountains, check www.bivouac.com - search the following peaks: Mt. Farnham, Mt. Nelson (in Farnham group 3313m), Farnham Tower, Mt. Delphine, Monument Pk, Paradox Pk, Steamboat Mtn, Mt. Bruce, Mt. Slade, Panorama Mtn, Mt. Catherine, Red Line Pk, Birthday Pk, Eyebrow Pk and/or Sultana Pk). I've showcased the accuracy of this map in other posts, I can direct you to some more images if you like.

Judging from your work in Ensenada (just finished reading front to back), you are a premier candidate to do a CJ (or just build) on this style of map, as you possess a great deal of skill.

The thing is, much of the map contains large city tiles that look something like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg96.imageshack.us%2Fimg96%2F6112%2Fmtnelsonps3.jpg&hash=752e4fdc19e5694ec5aedc8a70febe997a9b6514)

Not much going there, although I've had success running trails up the mountain (hiking trails) as well as placing items on summits, such as crosses and other misc. Roadways can traverse the slender valleys. You should also be familiar with plop water of some kind as well as waterfalls, etc. You would have about 18 large tiles along the central valley to build a massive city, the mountains and stuff are all bonus (take up space?). The 3D views from the valley are impressive for sure. Anyways, I may post some images of a city I am building in the valley if you are looking to see what it may look like!

Air6: I just may release this, as you are the second person to ask! Considering maps are to SC4 as planet earth is to people, I'm suprised to see that they aren't more sought after. I do notice that players with more skill who are looking for challenges really go for this style of map.

P.S. This will be a LEX exclusive if I go this route.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg440.imageshack.us%2Fimg440%2F7451%2Flohgpy3.jpg&hash=0126ef1637a1e40ef55ee62048309931fad1ca87)
(Lake of the Hanging Glacier - Plopped water. Approx 2 large city tiles shown here).

I love the glaciers there....

Did you make the Mount Robson map? that tile you showed in the above post looks a lot like one of the tiles from that map.

I'm fine with building on mountains. If anything, I'd probably leave them alone... :P

I am most definitely interested in this map - wouldn't mind seeing it on the LEX. Don't worry, I am patient, and will wait as long as you need.

When I do get it, I'll probably tweak it a little (including making a custom elevation map for the terrain mod, to at least get snow on the mountains down to a decent level... :P)

These shots are beautiful - what tree controller do you use? I wouldn't mind seeing what you do (did?) city-wise.

You're right this map is a great challenge for players and me I love challenges  ::)

OK although I may only get 3 DL's on this map, I've convinced myself to release it to the STEX, hopefully by the weekend.

flame1396: I am the author of the Mt. Robson map. The mountain you see is a very rare view of Mt. Nelson. The fact of the matter is, they are both from a similar region (Canadian Rockies). The glacier in the picture is the Commander Glacier (which I've hiked on). It is very accurate!

Shadow Assassin: The custom terrain mod I'm using: I've changed the Temperature Range function in the ILive Reader to represent 100% accurately the way the map would show in RL around May/June (northern hemisphere early summer). I can make a custom one for you, I'd just need an image showing where you'd like the snow level. I've always used the old-school Columbus Terrain Mod from way back when, aside from the new Italia/Olympic etc.

My tree controller is of course a custom one-off. The CPT tree controller went into the plugins folder with the 'mixed conifer' style of tree. I then used the reader to remove instances of Maxis pines and burnt lodgepole. I've also changed the temperature range on this model to a very large amount, so that only one mode of tree would be plopped (Douglas Fir, Cedar, etc.).

Some city images are coming. I plan on doing a brief showcase in the MD section at some point, but I don't think I'll be showcasing any mountains as such. I'll just post some images of the valley. It's a very unique scenario, building on all of those hills. The valley looks like it has very little vertical relief, but even it is quite steep.

I think you would have to open this map with these mods to see what all the fuss is about!

Air6: Consider yourself challenged! Once this is released, I'd be interested to see your results, to say the least. Be sure to post back to me.

It took over a year to get this map, which is the only map I wanted for SC4. I've had to develop custom techniques, learn a different language, and spend hour upon hour to get it here. Along the way, I met some great people and joined a phenominal team. I would be happy to share this particular example... for sure!

I had a revelation, an epiphany... or whatever you want to call it.

It was while doing my latest project: Chetwoot Region.
Now, if you've followed my mapping career, which you haven't because no one has, then you will know that my first release was Chetwoot Region.

It was the beginning of something. Well, something awkward. Me and mapping just didn't seem to get along all that well back then.

Enter MallowTheCloud and moganite. blade2k5 and jplumbley. Enter WOUANAGAINE (aka the Dragon). Ah hell, just enter NHP!

I have decided not to release Chetwoot Region. In fact, I have decided to no longer release anything.





At Simtropolis.

Here are some preview shots of my first LEX exclusive:
I've taken these from city view, because it takes ages to change all of the tiles over from SC4TF colors.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg116.imageshack.us%2Fimg116%2F1639%2F73715260ps6.jpg&hash=6ad5741a46bedecaddec3c8cd07470f22eff7d1d)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg116.imageshack.us%2Fimg116%2F4021%2F89071087cx2.jpg&hash=794fbab9fb0bd5e1aaf8d34ea15fbf972a2d74c6)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg76.imageshack.us%2Fimg76%2F2610%2F94602139yj6.jpg&hash=334ef3f1ef4c48e3df7ef65c61c6e480083809f8)

This is an 11x11 large tile map. I don't believe anyone will download it, but hey, if you suddenly feel a little more skilled than usual, at least think of picking this one up.

And that's part of the reason for the new LEX switch. Why should I have to explain to everyone on how to install a map over and over and over... The never ending string of PM's...

Well from what I've seen, members here are more keen on things.

SO instead of getting 100dL's, I'm trading it all in for like 5 (TOPS). At least I know that the 5dL's are in the hands of experts and not simply discarded.

Catch my drift....? OK, back to changing tiles to get a region census view. The full enchilada should be up sometime tomorrow morning EST. If you insist (and you should) on a preview shot, you can get re-acquainted with the old Chetwoot:

Chetwoot Region (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=16546)

My first ever mini-rant. At least I did it here where few people will check!! Also, revised Invermere Valley map on the way!

You made a very wise decision :thumbsup: Btw, great looking map...         as usual ;)

Heh heh, good ol Silvio, making sure everything is OK here! Thanks for stopping by again.

So this is now uploaded to the LEX. My first exclusive. If anyone has any questions or comments about the file, leave em here, I'll take care of it!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg176.imageshack.us%2Fimg176%2F9423%2Fnhpchetwootregionrcth2.jpg&hash=99e4b5e7306a3cb4b71bcb41c8611cac705ccf17)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg176.imageshack.us%2Fimg176%2F6916%2Fchetwootregionoverviewxd2.jpg&hash=a6c42e5410f2beb0f4bb3b88eeadd2680d19dd36)

The white squares are large city tiles. The map picture on the LEX does it no justice!!
I hope you enjoy this one, some work definitely went into it!

Beautiful map. I feel like trying it out. :P

What's the average elevation of those islands, anyway? I can just imagine a metropolis tucked away in that general region. :P

Config's 44x44, I figure. It's a wonderful map. And you should release your custom elevation mods for Cycledogg's stuff - there's most definitely a market for that on the LEX. As always, I'll most likely do some minor fine-tuning with the terrain (I notice a couple of problems with the mountains, easily fixed - it's mainly due to Maxis' reconciling tool).

--EDIT: I noticed you included your custom mod for Cycledogg's stuff in the zip, so yeah. :P Awesome job, I've loaded it up in SC4 and it looks wonderful.

Hey SA thanks for checking it out!

The edge reconciliation is something I've been dealing with for a long time.
Edge Reconciliation Removal Tool (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=16790)
This is something I created back in the old 8bit days to remove that problem when rendering maps the old fashioned way.

SC4TF and the development of 16bit PNG maps (by myself and Romaq - now NHP shares the glory) has eliminated this entirely.

What you see in the image is the shadows from the mountains. The shadows don't get carried over to the city tile adjacent to the one with the mountains.

The average mountain elevation on the 'islands' is about 900-1000m. My maximum elevation data is showing 1932.4m. The GEOBASE DEM datasheet is showing a maximum elevation of 1682.42m. In this region, Sea Level is 0. In SC4, Sea Level is 250. 1682.42 + 250 = 1932.42. I'm off my 0.02m. It's also 1:1.. nearly perfect!!

The only limitation to this map is the DEM scale of 1:50,000. This represents 30m NED data, pretty good, but not as good as 10m USGS or even 3m USGS (files too large). Some of my world maps are done using 90m SRTM data (bottom of the line) because that's all that's available....

Anyways, enough babbling, hope you enjoy it, or at least sit tight until CRV comes out!

That's good to hear.

Just wondering, is the actual valley floor alongside the river in the CRV map reasonably flat? It looks like it is, but one can never be sure with the trees. It actually looks quite buildable.

Chetwood Region is a really challenging a nice map. really variated. Not much flat land.... I think I might give it a try  :thumbsup:

Some CRV City tile shots:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg367.imageshack.us%2Fimg367%2F4952%2Fcrvsa1gg2.jpg&hash=7f2a25198ed125b79de2715b96544b207100d78b)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg513.imageshack.us%2Fimg513%2F5780%2Fcrvsa2wl4.jpg&hash=6309ea6593698eac7cdf3b2be47d75ec3c9581d3)

The valley floor is fairly flat by the river (which I plan on modifying further to appear more like the one I am using, right now it is too small), but then there is a 150m shelf above that that is fairly rough to build on. It can be smoothed out fairly easily by using the terraformer, or by sloping techniques. It really poses a challenge to building, especially higher densities transitioning to the 'shelf.'

The area around the lake in the southern portion has pretty substantial relief around it, making it difficult to go around the lake smoothly. Judging from your Ensenada MD, this will be no problem for you. In fact, I'm willing to bet that you can do this excellently.

The overall map has an elevation gain of 2685m. Using the 3D in terraformer, you can get a sense of the mountains from the valley. The view is quite impressive.

Anyways, if you can hang on until late next week, that is the planned release date.....
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg398.imageshack.us%2Fimg398%2F1996%2Fcrvsa3ju4.jpg&hash=8d6665b1a074faa9dba1da8e16acc673dd7941b0)


EDIT: Jeroni, it would be an honor for you to try Chetwoot. I was having great visions of where the highway system would travel, and the ridge along the center of the map has me wanting to try it as well....

Having learned much of my building style from you.... well, it would be awesome to find out. As long as your PC can handle large maps!!

Hmm, that's nice and flat! :P

It won't be too much of a problem for me, don't you worry. I find it easier to build on rolling hills or at least maps that have some form of elevation change because it gives me nicely defined boundaries.

There is no rush -- I can wait as long as necessary -- besides I have RL for the next few weeks, meaning no time to play on the map, anyway. :P

You were always better than me at doing rugged terrain. How do you do it?
Combining my water technique and your mountains one and we will have all round winners.

building like on a map like that is no problem for me expensive yes but doable.

Just wondering, any status changes on this map -- is it in progress or no? :P

If you've got RL issues, that's fine. :P

Should be a GO for tomorrow by either mid-morning (EST) or late afternoon (EST) depending on how the morning goes....

Should be the ultimate RL challenge map though.... There's maybe 4 or so SC4 players that can turn this into a wonder.

Oddly enough, you are one of them!

I will prepare a showcase here as well. Maybe a little more detailed than my previous showcases. All I really have to do is change tiles over. 12x12 large tiles? There goes half of the potential downloaders right there... too big?!?!

Anyways, check back in about 12 hours (if you are in Australia.... check when you wake up in the middle of the night!!).

Funny, I thought it was 11x11.  :D My current region's... 11x15 at the moment, so that's about the same number of maps. (though, admittedly, about a third is just water)

But people should know that only like half the map's buildable, unless they're one of those people who like building on mountains.... Either that, or a mountain goat. :P

heh heh.... 11x15 huh! 165 to 144... your map's got it beat.

I must say 12x12 is my absolute maximum as a RL map creator. Everything goes up proportionally when you make a map bigger. You only realize what a headache it is to release a huge map after you release a small one (easy!).

btw about 35 minutes until release. Been a busy day. I had originally alotted 45 minutes to change textures. Took twice that long. As you probably know, each tile takes longer to save the larger the map is.... (sigh). Just preparing download package at the moment. Of course, NHP's quality standards prevent me from just throwing anything on there.

Also, about the comment regarding building on mountains.... there is a section of this map where 2 plateaus exist on the SW edge of the valley overlooking everything.... They can be reached by transportation networks through the smaller valleys at the rear (even highway if I remember correctly). They are about 1000m up on everything.

You have to look, but you can build in a lot of places.

You will soon see!

AH

Hit a bit of a snag... the file is over 10MB (10.5).

I have to find out if Jeroni wants to waste some bandwidth for my poor map... (argh). If not, I can always host at Fileden or similar having a link from here. I will send a PM giving the positives and negatives of hosting this map here. I'd like to make it a LEX exclusive....

I'm not sure, but I think he's fine with it as long as it's an exception to the norm. After all, there are a few prop packs on the LEX that are hovering around the 10.5MB mark. :P

QuoteAs you probably know, each tile takes longer to save the larger the map is.... (sigh).

Unfortunately, yes... but I figured out quite a while ago that the size of your plugins folder plays an important part in how long it takes to load. On my current region, with an empty plugins folder (well, almost empty - only NAM, water mod, terrain mod, tree controller), it takes about 10 seconds to open an empty map. About a minute with a 2.2GB or so plugins folder. Note that my plugins folder has not been compressed with DATpacker. I had problems with it so I didn't use it. It'll be rebuilt for this region, though. Hasn't been organized in about three years, actually.

Yeah! Gotcha on that one. Here's the deal with changing tiles. I generally empty my plugins folder except for a special folder I have called terrain mods (seperate folder - easy to modify). In there are only the necessary items used for changing terrain textures. It's about 8MB. My main folder is at 2.4GB, and you should see when I try to open a developed city tile on a 12x12 map....

I have SATA RAID 0 stripe running on my system with a high level AMD chip.... still it takes over 3 minutes  to load everything if loading a fresh tile. HD's are just buzzing along at max speed trying to open the plugins... you should hear it!

I can open an empty tile with the bare minimum plugins (terrain textures) and save it (saving takes way longer) in about 40 seconds. Multiply that by 144...... On a small map with 16 tiles, it happens almost instantly.

Anyways, I think I will go ahead and try to upload it and see what happens. I now know who to contact on this matter, so the issue should be resolved sometime today 100%. I will now proceed with my showcase a little later on in the AM (here - next 3 hours). Make sure to check in!

Showcase: NHP Columbia River Valley by beskhu3epnm

Essentially you can see many of the comparison shots of this map on the previous pages of this thread.
Page 2 1/2 way down (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=88.20)
Page 3 Bottom (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=88.20)
Page 4 Throughout (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=88.20)

We can start with a quick mosaic:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2006%2F7%2F28%2F145206%2Fmos01.jpg&hash=6feffea4fef73a14cf94cbd1cfb93e1c02d6a673)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2006%2F7%2F28%2F145206%2Fmos02.jpg&hash=46207de285ac501df5b8fe35b5599bcabbc15da9)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F2606%2Fmos03vb6.jpg&hash=2a8df2f649b7b013d7f2eee4fa3cb9c7a04936b1)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg204.imageshack.us%2Fimg204%2F3517%2Fnhpiv1dr3.jpg&hash=a6710ee5af47a07602a8a41a0fc6fbd6f458aa13)
On top of that mountain/ridge would be a great place to build, I think. You can access that summit using standard transportation networks through the small valley at the back.

A 3D shot west of the main valley while travelling...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg523.imageshack.us%2Fimg523%2F82%2Fcoolpic1qt5.jpg&hash=53a193749f0c56f44bda6735c089cf95943cd4e2)
A 3D shot from the Summit of Mt. Nelson (3313m). The valley is 20km away.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg523.imageshack.us%2Fimg523%2F8249%2Fcoolpic2qe9.jpg&hash=c217760a0522f5c9bc50119eaa110e92363758cd)
Obviously I edited the sky to get rid of that eye-damaging blue that is used.

For the next and final set of images, I will compare the CN Tower (553m) to the Mt.Farnham basin and main mountain. I've used the mayor mode screen so you can see the elevation relief on the map in some places:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg50.imageshack.us%2Fimg50%2F6027%2Fcrvpreviewpic1rx5.jpg&hash=8487203de266d5505acce7f83ff69038b6044a8c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg50.imageshack.us%2Fimg50%2F4382%2Fcrvpreviewpic2ip7.jpg&hash=a60607af376b13ca1879ca17a9499bb21409e3a1)
Obviously there is no comparison.

Anyways, this is a pretty ambitious project. I don't expect a lot of downloads of this one. Instead I will measure the success with the hapiness of the maps user base. We shall see! You should see this on the LEX sometime today, but it is around 11MB all said and done. I will post an update later if I manage to get it posted there. If not, I can link it to fileden or some file hosting site like that.

Simply HUGE  ??? ¡¡

It makes the version I am actually playing look like a child's toy  ::) .... not sure if I will have the time to play that one, but just in case, I am adding it to my list  ;D

OMG thats really impressive, excellent work i really like that  ;)

Beautiful work!

Shame the grid ruins the image in SC4T. :P

If our world-champion programmer would ever come back I may request that he take those down (grids).

Of course, I must pray, as he is in fact - The Lord.... of SC4TF.

At any rate... waiting patiently. Tried uploading - no dice on LEX as it is too large. Waiting for special instructions at this time.

I'm thinking of hosting and linking to this thread. Which means I will only get 2 DL's. Heh heh!

QuoteIf our world-champion programmer would ever come back I may request that he take those down (grids).

You can actually turn them off.

According to the readme: Wired.bmp, is the texture used for showing grid, if you change it, leave a 2 pixel black border or the grid won't show.

If you change that file, it'll make the grid go away forever.

HAR HAR...!!

Maybe I should be praying to you then??

Awesome....

Aww, but then Wou'll get jealous, because he's the resident deity. :P

Anyways, if you can't upload onto the LEX, maybe you'll have to dump it on FileDen or somewhere like that for the time being...  ;D

OK,

Advanced Preview of the Columbia River Valley map. Shoot me a DL just for kicks once it gets up on the LEX.

If anyone else is checking this out, drop me a comment once it's up!!

(Link removed... - Go to the LEX you cheapskates!)

Awesome.

The download speed on that's horrendous, though... only 20kb/sec compared to my normal 160kb/sec... :P

It's downloading as I post.

yech... well Fileden definitely isn't the LEX. Plus you don't get my upload image:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg329.imageshack.us%2Fimg329%2F7154%2Fnhpcolumbiarivervalleyuxx9.jpg&hash=814245b8c9e95c1577d850dddc20c883a2e051d8)

11MB right on the pin too.... (sigh). I think the elevations are a little more extreme. Invermere Valley checked in at under 10 and is a very similar map...

It is a beautiful map, though. The first time I attempted to import it into SC4Mapper, it crashed. But the second time, it worked perfectly.

Meanwhile, I'm gonna try it out. :P

The map is now on the LEX!!

excellent work  &hlp &apls

Hello, Travis.

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on August 16, 2007, 06:45:47 PM
yech... well Fileden definitely isn't the LEX. Plus you don't get my upload image:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg329.imageshack.us%2Fimg329%2F7154%2Fnhpcolumbiarivervalleyuxx9.jpg&hash=814245b8c9e95c1577d850dddc20c883a2e051d8)

11MB right on the pin too.... (sigh). I think the elevations are a little more extreme. Invermere Valley checked in at under 10 and is a very similar map...

Well, once again you've proven just how good a map-maker you really are.  Your real world maps are top notch; absolutely first rate.  This is a superb map that should give anyone using it a tremedous amount of variety in what to build and where to build it.

Great work!

Regards,

Gary

The maps I've opened up are simply nothing short of spectacular. Kudos to you!

Of course!! I would never lie to anyone, this is one of the most ridiculous regions for SC4 in the history of SC4. It will take a skilled eye to spot areas to develop within the narrower valleys.

The hardest part I think is going to be "where do I start?"

I hope you enjoy your time with the map and not give up on it. I'd hate to be the only one running it!

I couldn't find one of the plateaus you were talking about, but I did find a relatively flat basin in the mountains which will be ideal for a missile silo or the like. :P

You know something like the Tokyo Tower or a similar radio-type tower would look great in a lot of locations. I'll see if I can get that location for you in an image (and approximate location) ASAP.

Even a small cross on the summit of one of the higher peaks. There are actually 2 plateaus to build on which I spotted.... I gotta dig for an image... I'll go get em.

I can do an information session of some of the more prominent peaks. I have ascended a few in RL and can attest to the accuracy!

OK Here goes:

Area of Plateaus
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F2549%2Fareaofplateauset1.jpg&hash=aa71704b79495c9f80b077ebf870b8b317bc109b)
This image shows the approximate are of the plateaus I was talkin about. Plateau 2 looks a bit less likely to happen, I suppose. Well, something could go up there...

Closeup
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F9172%2Fareaplateauscloseuprk2.jpg&hash=27218e3a5c04fcad44b67dfb4ba6781aa614ba75)
This image is a closeup of said plateaus (both in same image. Plateau 2 is hardly a plateau, but is somewhat buildable). They are both directly adjacent to the main valley giving a hell of a vista. I was on top of Castle Rock (Plateau 2 - Looks a little like Castle GreySkull), and cars look like little dots, 3 storey buildings like small boxes (like the "online" box of SC4D) and the scenery was fabulous.

Catamount Glacier
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg337.imageshack.us%2Fimg337%2F526%2Fcatamountglaciered5.jpg&hash=fd4f7e12fc3b349a27c31a0ce3c2eefea8af1ec6)
NW portion of the map (see RC at the top). High elevation glacier. Don't think you'll be building on these, but....

Eyebrow Peak (3362m) Birthday Peak (3011m) Starbird Glacier
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F5904%2Feyebrowbirthdaypeaksut5.jpg&hash=302c75fd0a200f9186c2aa54f0aa1a07afdbbe68)
Some very high peaks in the region. Just a note, the map has been lowered 550m from RL elevations to conform with SC4 sea level of 250m.

Jumbo (3437m) Karnak (3411m)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg337.imageshack.us%2Fimg337%2F8174%2Fjumbokarnak3447mtt0.jpg&hash=f95197415bdb4e24dd83718c84087a9ee0cd073a)
Western portion of the map. Been on the Commander Glacier (adjacent to these twin massifs). Quite a thrill, really. I'm not a real great climber, I like to attend different types of areas, is all. This one is quite steep, the SC4 in gae doesn't do it justice. Try 3D on SC4TF for the real pictures....

Delphine (3406m)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F8303%2Fmtdelphine3406mnx5.jpg&hash=63228d5f59a2c20a140b322e47457db76b3f3f2b)
The Delphine Glacier is below the 3406m peak. Seen this one from all angles. GASP! Camped out at the base of the waterfalls on the basin below the glacier.

Nelson (3313m)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F3981%2Fmtnelson3313mjl1.jpg&hash=e5ca6a444a5429911defee1082927171d4358a75)
This is my first real climb, scheduled for next summer. Should be in for a rough ride, 2000m elevation gain. A real slog. You can see this mountain from the valley over 20km away (in SC4TF as well). A distinctive looking mountain.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg141.imageshack.us%2Fimg141%2F6987%2F108963yh2.jpg&hash=a193cfb331e5e1e29b0d5ccd3cc409cad5a02cf7)

Peter (3360m) Farnham (3483m) Hammond (3387m)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F5585%2Fmtpeterfarnhamfarnhamtomz6.jpg&hash=d6545d86e32a2cd88beac2109763d606daf5e650)
The main uplift in the region. Tallest is dead centre, at nearly 3500m. An extremely difficult climb. Tallest peak in the Purcell Range. Also has a strange molar shaped tower on the end of one of it's ridges @3350m or so.

Slade (3252m)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F6002%2Fmtslade3307msr3.jpg&hash=99040f246409660827fed009fbbaadeb9cc9536f)
Tiny old Mt.Slade measures in at a mere 3252m (!!!). Can see this one from some perspectives in the valley as well.

Well that's all the showcase for now. If you all haven't downloaded the map yet, you'd better do it now! SA, the plateaus have been highlighted. Hopefully you find a use for this beast...

Indeed I will. ;)

Thanks for the info, it should be helpful to not just me, but everybody else as well, too.

Just spent the last two weeks in this valley, and just got home.

Beautiful spot, and I managed to get a fair bit of hiking and geocaching in.

How cool to see this up as an NHP map!

Super job, if only I wasn't tied to another region already  ;D

Uncle Phil!

I used to reside here, so I have a vested interest in the area. I have a couple of climbing dates set for some mountains in the previous shots. It is a wonderful valley, the more time you spend there, the more you feel it. Others likely have a location that gives them similar feelings, etc... just I choose to share mine!

Have you checked out Panorama Mountain Village? Or Radium Hot Springs? Where did you stay, etc.? Did you make a hike up Mt. Swansea? See Mt. Nelson? (See above).

Always good to touch base with someone who has been there. Aren't you from Manitoba (if my memory serves me correct)?

Anyways, when you are ready to play the region, drop me a line, bro! Take care!!

Travis

Hey Travis.

Your right about Manitoba.
I did drive partway to Panorama.
We were staying at Akiskinook, a condo complex about 4 miles from Invermere, on the east side of the lake.
Went to Radium, and Fairmont hot springs.
Funny you should mention Mt. Swansea....

I went geocache hunting (like treasure hunting with a GPS device).
It showed a cache up near the top (looked like the top) of Swansea, and said you could drive most of the way there.
We started up this jeep road. I have a 4 wheel drive, so I figured no problem.
It started getting a little hairy about 2/3 of the way up (ok, quite hairy for me).
The trail was deeply rutted and I was straddling the ruts as to not bottom out.

Finally about 1.4 k from the cache, I decided to park and hike the rest of the way.
Still following the jeep trail, we walked about 2k. The GPS still said 1.4k to the cache.
Stupid switchbacks, (or rather stupid me for not reading the distance in terms of "as the crow flies")
Anyway, we bailed about 1k from summit, and retreated, hoping to be better prepared to tackle it another time.

On the way down we cut across some switchbacks by walking some of the biking trails.
Huge drop offs and ramps along these trails.
I pride myself on my mountain biking skills, but these were extreme drop-offs.
No way I'd attempt these. Wild stuff, but very cool.

Sad to say I didn't get back there this year, but I hope to be back in the valley next year...
so you never know.

But all in all, a gorgeous valley, and your map certainly does it justice.

Take care
Phil

Neato story Phil!

Mt. Swansea, I pondered driving up with a rental I had (car-based SUV). I checked the route by foot first, and said "no way!" We then hiked up to the lookout by foot. A great view for sure. The switchbacks are a bit tedious as well. On the way down, we started skipping switchbacks. Someone seen us who was on their way up, and proceeded to lecture us about trail erosion, etc. Well, dammit, I'm in a hurry!

The other drivable road out there is The Paradise Mine road. Since you mentioned you only drove partway to Panorama, I believe you may have stopped here for some geocaching. The roadway is at the back of a clearing (old tailings pond) and begins a steep climb to an old mine site. The road continues on, turning into a nerveracking high alpine road, bringing you to about 2400m elevation on top of the ridge. You can then traverse down the other side and travel to Radium Hot Springs. I tell you, I got about halfway up this road past the mine site..... (heart attack). Something about being in a vehicle while being exposed to that much air. The road has also deteriorated some, I suppose. You need 4WD for this one.

There are some good driving roads past Panorama continuing on Toby Creek Rd. You can get to Jumbo Creek FSR, and Delphine Creek FSR. Too bad you couldn't geocache up on Mt. Nelson (hell of a hike - 2000m elevation gain (2km - or 4 CM Towers)).

Anyways, I live in Ontario now, so no more fun :angrymore:

I used to know the owners of Akiskinook quite well....

Anyways, take care Phil,

Travis

Time to drop a line on my latest projekts. I've been experimenting with different data sets.

For those that don't know datasets, I'm speaking about Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. It's the root of all of my RL maps, and the quality of DEM is directly proportional to the quality of map in SC4 (terrain resolution).

Here are some common datasets:
Resolution     USGS tag                   Quality
90mSRTM      3 Arc Second              Horrible
60m             2 Arc Second               OK
30m             NED 1 Arc Second        Good
10m             NED 1/3 Arc Second     Superb
3m              NED 1/9 Arc Second     Unbelievable

Basically, the minimum resolution I like to operate at is 30m. Essentially what that means is that data is taken at 30m interleaves when creating the original data (through satellite radar imagery). Geobase offers 30m data for all of Canada, and INEGI offers 30m data for all of Mexico. In other regions of the world, there is no data it seems that goes beyond 90m. The Columbia River Valley map was made using 30m data.

Pretty much all international data is 90mSRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission). In SC4 speak, the SRTM mission snapped data polls every 90m or 6 SC4 tiles. You can imagine that this is incredibly poor.

On the other end of things, 3m data takes 5 data polls for every tile on SC4. If you think of that, it wouldn't co-relate to SC4 very well, as each tile has three horizontal points of reference (vertices). In my experience, 3m data is only slightly better than 10m data.

USGS (USA) is still the only organization in the world to have 10m datasets of the entire country (except Alaska @ 60m - haha dedgren!!). They also have 3m datasets for certain parts of the country (very limited).

My next two projects are Palm Springs, California in the 10m dataset, and Puget Sound Washington (Seattle) using 3m data.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg515.imageshack.us%2Fimg515%2F9141%2Fpalmspringsrcvx5.jpg&hash=da0c81b48958ddcced31b0d2a9bda43a4f3ad185)
10x11 large tiles in size, 10m data. Amazing resolution. One of my best yet!!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg337.imageshack.us%2Fimg337%2F9176%2Fpugetsoundrcls8.jpg&hash=826310285f0482cd15497379337481379b65c875)
4x5 large tiles, 3m data - slightly better than 10m in SC4. The file was over 200MB in size when I went to download, compared to 70MB for the 10m version.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg523.imageshack.us%2Fimg523%2F360%2F3mdatasetkf2.jpg&hash=bf309de06b53e1b639d4e735d2b230faad7a02d8)
Typical city tile (cropped to 800x600 - grid left on for reference).


These will be uploaded to the LEX under a delayed timeframe in order to not flood it with maps. What do you think?

The Puget Sound map will be a good one to build on with the water opportunities.
Lots of harbor's, and rivers wouldn't be too tough to create.

The Palm Spring one looks fabulous though.
That one would be a blast to do.
I'd use cycledogg's desert flora mod.
That would look spectacular.

This is some very interesting information. And the Palm Springs map looks outstandingly real  :o  :thumbsup:

I have been to Palm Spring, theres alot windmills and is near from LA, I-10 cross that area... superb map besk  :thumbsup:

If you want a really desert map for that one i can edit the properties and make the terrain a bit more realistic...  ;)

OK Eblem, I'll take you up on your offer! Will you be modifying the standard Painted Desert mod? If so, I can include in the upload package so everyone can have the same terrain! I'll post this file in the private thread for you to "test drive." 10m data is awesome!

beskhu3epnm,

Your maps are absolutely amazing, please keep up the great work.

I have a challenge for you and I pose the question to the rest of the SC4 community. There have been several attempts at a map of Jackson, Mississippi, yet none have come close. Downtown Jackson is at 279 ft. elevation, with the nearby Pearl River at around 255-260 ft. at regular flow. The problem is that north of the city is the massive Ross Barnett Reservoir that is created by impounding the Pearl River. The top of the long earthen dam's elevation is 308 feet, with the reservoir's full pool at around 295 feet. The 33,000 acre reservoir's shores is the location for major suburban growth in the metro area, and is a very important geographic feature to consider.

In my opinion, it seems the best way to tackle the problem is to make sea level the river and then use ploppable water to recreate the reservoir.

What do you think, beskhu3epnm?

Thanks for looking into this!

Cheers,
Kevin

The Palm Springs map is just amazing  :o

Air6: Thank you! Merci Beaucoup! (is that how you spell that? -  :'( not so good at le Francais - ask wouanagaine!). HabLeUrG has now been contracted out to do a custom terrain/rock mod for a more realistic appearance to the Palm Springs map!

BigSlark (aka Kevin?): Thanks for checking this out. It is always good to see someone stop by and pose a challenge. I have the answer to your challenge, of course! Jackson Mississippi is something I have never done, but I can assure you that the 10m DEM USGS data does exist for that area. This means that I can create the map using the same resolution as the Palm Springs map for Jackson.

If you happen to look up my Grand Teton National Park (an error on ST prevents me from getting the link), this is the same quality that Jackson Mississippi would have. Now, that being laid to rest, the next issue is the water heights. Grand Teton has a similar, but more extreme issue. The whole valley gradually attains elevation, but to the tune of about 200m (656ft). Terraforming Teton (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=143.msg58591#new) has developed some interesting ways of going around this problem... but I will tell you what is typically done:

First off, when creating the map, I can set the river depth to the minimum land elevation. In SC4, Sea Level is 250m, and the lowest part of the land should be around this point. So although the river will increase in elevation above sea level over a set distance, the entire river should be allowed to show, at least up until the reservoir. I can then use the 'compressor' tool in the NHP SC4TF version, and give a solid one-elevation riverbed to follow, giving a nice, uniform look to the river. The reservoir will then have to be plopped manually, perhaps using ploppable water and some sea walls to give a nice, uniform look.

Overall the problem, being only about 60ft (18m - slightly more than a ground highway embankment) is really quite manageable. I would then use a dam or waterfall to gel everything together nicely.

Another option is to select the space using my Adobe Photoshop CS2 and lower it manually by darkening the greyscale. I would then open it up and create the riverbed accordingly. The only adverse side effect would be a set of 18m cliffs surrounding the reservoir.

As you can see, SC4 has dealt mappers a bit of a headache when trying to create RL terrains, in that water (especially flows of water) cannot be done realistically. They can be 'risk managed' however.

What do you think? I could probably spin off a map of Jackson real quick when I get a chance.

The problem I have is setting up the DL package (changing tiles to get the Region Census image - doing the HTML readme, setting up the archive, reducing the image size of all images to two different sizes for upload image and showcase image) takes ages. I may be able to post a fileden link here, and then you can test it out. Let me know, either way!

jeronij: Real glad you stopped by. I am always motivated to give the LEX the best I've got! After all, I don't see too many maps out there, and people always need somewhere to put all of this custom content... :-\

Heblem: (notes the name change in my head) Welcome amigo (again and again). This is my other 16bit mapper friend everyone! We now both use the same techniques. :thumbsup: Stay tuned for potential development on the Palm Springs Terrain Mod...

beskhu3epnm,

Thanks for looking at this for me. Mapping the river bed and then having the Reservoir as a large plain to plop water seems to be the best solution.

The name "Reservoir" is a bit misleading, as you would expect it to be impounded, so to speak. In fact, the Ross Barnett's shorelines were almost completely left to naturally occur and the upper reaches of the lake are actually cypress swamps. Check out the outdated Google Maps sattelite image (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=32.392718,-90.076561&spn=0.20293,0.43396&t=h&z=12&om=1).

Anyway, I'd really like to see what you come up with and a fileden link would be fine. As for a terrain mod, I'm a bit lost. The soil here is all clay, but vegetation quickly takes over any clearing. Meadowshire seems to be the best bet as it would be applied to lower elevations. What do you all think?

Cheers,
Kevin

Kevin, I've decided to undertake this project. I've already checked out the data, and have decided that everything will come out top notch.

If you get a chance, check out my NHP St. LouisSt.Louis (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17211) map. The terrain is quite similar, and the river levels had a similar problem.

The river's elevation gain is present here as well.

Also, the distance between the dammed area and the city centre is approximately 12 large tiles away. I will likely rotate the map about 38 degrees CCW to make the dam area paralell with SC4's tile system (so that you will not have to make a diagonal dam... which is unheard of in SC4 speak). The reservoir/lake will represent a section of large city tile that will have to be plopped.

This is all I can gather from looking at the map, so I will be back later on with a more firm analysis once it has been completed.

Maybe I will see you online later on,

Travis

OK Kev,

Update time. The map was completed long ago, however the river has been giving me fits!!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F3932%2Fjacksonmississippiovervaj8.jpg&hash=b977520f82391f484b34ccf5f6471a06dcd05687)

This is not the original flow of the river!! The change between the river surface and the surrounding land was minimal. I did some improvising and directed the flow based on the tiny disparities in elevation. I don't believe that it is accurate! Let me know if I am close.

Also, the land to the west of the river was lower than the riverbed. Unfortunately I did not see this until after I had zipped up the file. You may have to go in and manually edit the terrain.

Map Statistics:
Size: 9x9 Large Tiles (2305x2305)
Maximum Elevation: 405.8m (405.8-250=155.8m)
Minimum Elevation: 203.5m (underwater data)
Time to make: 8 minutes 34 seconds
Time to edit waterflow: 42 minutes+

NHP Jackson Mississippi (http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/1/26/697076/Jackson%20Mississippi%20for%20BigSlark.zip)

Let me know how it works out!!

beskhu3epnm,

It looks great! The water level issue on the west side of map is because the other side of that ridge is a different river system. The Pearl River system is narrow east-west and stretches about 250 miles almost directly north from the Gulf of Mexico at the Mississippi/Louisiana state line. The river to the west is the Big Black, which is a direct tributary of the great Mississippi, which is only 45 miles from downtown Jackson.

As for the river, it flows away from the dam. I think I understand where your problem is coming in, as it has numerous oxbow lakes and swamps in the floodplain surrounding it, as well as the flood channel adjacent to downtown.

My only request is that could you add the channel near downtown Jackson and perhaps double the size of the area covered? The metro area stretches for 45 miles in all directions from downtown, yet only about 1/8th of that area has a dense population density. There are extensive semi-rural "suburbs" to the south, southeast, and northwest of the city and it would be a shame not to include the trailer parks and three Wal-Mart Supercenters!

Thank you again for taking this project on, I promise you that the Res will be the first place I plop/drag infrastructure.

Cheers,
Kevin

Hey Kevin!

Some details regarding the request: Doubling the area covered would result in an area 18 large tiles x 18 large tiles, 324 large tiles in all. My current project, The Columbia River Valley is 12x12=144, and takes 2.5 hours to change tiles on, let alone build on. This map would have more than twice as many large tiles!! It truly is a large area. In fact, anything over 14 large tiles squared causes my SC4TF to crash (memory overrun, despite having 2048MB of RAM).

Since this portion of the project has hit a bit of a snag, what I may do as an alternative is deliver the map "as is" (meaning offer you the largest possible map, given that I need a memory upgrade) of 14x14 large tiles, with only a quick re-hash of the river system. This will allow you to perfect the channel, and corner off any small lakes or marshland in the area.

Be warned! I have recently played a large region this size, and after over 100 hours, I only had 6 large tiles decently developed, a far cry from 324!!

I had no idea Jackson was so large... I thought that if I covered the dam, that would do it. I seen the data, where Jackson's downtown was SW of the dam location, so I tried to fit that in there as well.

Would you like the dam rotated as it is in its current fashion? ( I got it right - 38 degrees CCW)

At any rate, you can check out the work I've done on the 9x9 version on the post above (Fileden link). At least check that to get an idea of the size we are looking at here!

Take Care,

Travis

beskhu3epnm,

Currently I'm building on NHP Kettlewood, which I really like but I want a "fantasy" region and "realistic" region to enjoy at the same time. (Some days I find myself copying street layouts from my atlas of the metro area and others creating residential areas perched on the side of a ridge, random, I know).

I completely developed your Wizard's Coast map from November 2006 through April 2007 and started Kettlewood in April. After playing a smaller region and then a larger one I have discovered that I LOVE the space you are able to put between good size settlements. And considering Jackson is spread out, well, a 14x14 with lots of water level issues to fix in the west would be a great project for me to perfect my terraforming skills.

I like the tilt, it will make life MUCH easier as major roads in the area run at a right angles to the Pearl River.

Once again, I thank you deeply for taking on this project for me!

Have a great weekend!

Cheers,
Kevin

Hi beskhu3epnm,

I just want to thank you for all those great maps you are making. I grew tired of all those flat, boring maps and was looking for a challenge when I discovered your maps.

I recently started playing on Kinbasket Lake and I love it. It wasn't easy to build the roads, highways and especially the railroad through the mountains. But I managed it, even with the BRF Slope Mod. And it was worth the effort, I now have some quite impressive bridges and tunnels.

Keep it up!  :thumbsup:

RickD,

Thank you for playing my maps! That project was a joint project between myself and HabLeUrG (now Heblem). It is a RL location that I made, and finished for custom buildable terrain by Heblem. It is one of my proudest creations, and one of the most difficult to build on. Congrats on being able to work so well with it. Maybe you could post some images in this thread of your bridge/tunnel work?

The scenery on that map is incredible, as you can probably tell!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg341.imageshack.us%2Fimg341%2F3913%2Fnhpkinbasketlakeregioncxh8.jpg&hash=cc268e379dd02dd5548c8ccabce584f3881f276a)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg515.imageshack.us%2Fimg515%2F4015%2Fnhpkinbasketlakeoverviean0.jpg&hash=8bbeb67f191d948f4a6406a9171f1581e32af372)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg144.imageshack.us%2Fimg144%2F3512%2Fmthableurg2nr3.jpg&hash=e04badcf4e6a2070466e2019164d3dd73c0b1d46)
That last pic is of Mt.Hableurg from the ocean...


Kevin,

RLS has hit, and I have a secondary project (non-mapping) on the go. I figure by Wednesday I should have your map ready for ya! Take care,

Travis

Comparison Time!!

There has been some recent discussion concerning 8bit JPEG or BMP files and 16bit PNG Greyscale files when it comes to mapping. Since most people don't know the difference, I'm here to show you guys!

This is a standard 16 bit map from my collection. It is the Yosemite Valley in California.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg403.imageshack.us%2Fimg403%2F9340%2Fyosemitevalleyrc16rh5.jpg&hash=76a1c3039374c4c289be50571ab5456b1d13f7b2)

You can see the detail on El Capitan here:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F184%2Fsc4elcapitanxs7.jpg&hash=9fb68ec9b70035a25fd08efa2092ec676262fff4)
(in SC4 city view - the next image is also in City view)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F1899%2Fsc4elcapitan2rg0.jpg&hash=31c958e3262e5a1a39a7093d30ad5fe9ca1d5e2a)

As a direct comparison shot, I've compared a section of elevation. Notice in 16bit clarity:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F1678%2Fsmallvalley16kp5.jpg&hash=ca4e0a39b71bd4c42768e8c9f9084fb030894b18)

Now time to downgrade. I created a BMP 8bit down from the 16bit PNG that I was using (to keep the scale the same). I then converted it to import by changing the ImageImportScaleFactor exemplar using the Reader on my Columbus Terrain Mod. This way, no custom plugins would be needed and I could do the conversion swiftly. The conversion factor was 4000m (3590m being max @ 229b/w).

As this is a BMP being converted from an already static image of a map in 16bits, this is the highest quality image that BMP can provide:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F6619%2Fyosemitevalleyrc8ga5.jpg&hash=d6c9e32eb9fae2af7ce6b8be8b9514b6818ac118)

El Capitan is butchered:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg509.imageshack.us%2Fimg509%2F6005%2Fsc4elcapitan28bitpz4.jpg&hash=c1be7317b637b8637e59a99c901c09cd37e4cd74)
butchered again:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F9813%2Fsc4elcapitan8biteo3.jpg&hash=55a826ca5cbd7c6cb59fd5c816e7146fe80ae138)

And that valley comparison:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F959%2Fsmallvalley8mv2.jpg&hash=9702f716ba0615a1f8642c21853f8651b04c45bb)

The elevations were also way off, and if there was a water level with this map, that would have been ruined as well. El Capitan in that image was about 7/8 scale. More adjustment would have been necessary.

The "steps" or "ridges" that you see in other 8bit maps were not present here, as those are unique to the JPEG file format, and it's relentless loss. This BMP file suffers from poor resolution (zoom in on your favorite image closely, you can see all of the pixels by themselves - same thing here!).

I did this little test mostly to show our up and coming mappers that this is the correct way to go when creating maps. For those that want some instructions on how to create color 16bit PNGs and maps, let me know. That information is already out there for you to discover...

I am very much in love with all of your maps! I have recently begun work on the NHP Sumidero Canyon which I really love too! It is proving to be a quite a challenge! I will have images as soon as I deem them fit for showcasing! :) I also love the NHP Pacific Rim National Park! They are both spectacular creations! :)


I wanted to point out and express my awe and amazement to the highlighted detail above (the 'steps'). I find it so amazing to see this in SC4, something I have see in the Drakensberg for example and seeing it there reaffirms my views of you (pl.) being AMAZING mappers! It also brings back memories of the Drakensberg! :) You should visit sometime, I think you'll find the mountain range inspiring. :)

That is a great job done there!

Also, thanks for explaining the 16 bit vs 8 bit thing. :D

-M-,

No problemo on the mapping thing. As you can probably tell, we had perfected this technique before going public to ensure the best possible stuff. If you fancy yourself a future mapper, I can direct you to a *public version* of this type of mapping technique. I will be posting links at a later time in this thread (mostly over at ST).

As for that Gradient on the Kinbasket Lake map, that particular portion that you have highlighted actually showcases a very smooth gradient, allowing the terrain textures to apply themselves uniformly. Credit goes to Cycledogg for that one!! As I've used a 30m DEM file for that map, the results are fantastic. There are also some minor 'bands' or steps at that location, as you can see them carry over to the rocks. I just spent the last 35 minutes reading about Drakensberg, so I know exactly what you are pointing to.... Awesome....

So keep an eye out for the 16bit maps, at a STEX/LEX near you (for almost the last year)!!

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on August 29, 2007, 03:04:54 PM
-M-,

No problemo on the mapping thing. As you can probably tell, we had perfected this technique before going public to ensure the best possible stuff. If you fancy yourself a future mapper, I can direct you to a *public version* of this type of mapping technique. I will be posting links at a later time in this thread (mostly over at ST).

Ah, yes, I imagined that quite a lot of R&D went into this and the results are spectacular! :) I do not, however, fancy myself a future mapper due to my lack of patience and in the light of my recent ambitious projects that I have vowed to undertake I won't be able to fit it in either. :) Thanks for the assistance and willingness to help though. :) I am sure, and I hope, that someone else will take you up on that offer and may be schooled by your masterful hand! :D

QuoteAs for that Gradient on the Kinbasket Lake map, that particular portion that you have highlighted actually showcases a very smooth gradient, allowing the terrain textures to apply themselves uniformly. Credit goes to Cycledogg for that one!! As I've used a 30m DEM file for that map, the results are fantastic. There are also some minor 'bands' or steps at that location, as you can see them carry over to the rocks. I just spent the last 35 minutes reading about Drakensberg, so I know exactly what you are pointing to.... Awesome....

So keep an eye out for the 16bit maps, at a STEX/LEX near you (for almost the last year)!!

I also figured that it must have been the terrain textures that generated that effect and I myself use only CPs amazing terrain textures (I personally prefer the Olympic one). But then again the effect cannot be properly and as masterfully showcased on its own, it needs an amazing map! :)

I also prefer to use the PEG Dark Granite Rock Mod, something that I think you'd understand if you've read up on the Drakensberg and saw a few photos of the brown basalt cliffs! (It having paler sandstone lower down. It is capped with a layer of dark basalt and that is why that highlighted area reminded me of it - descending and horizontally layered sandstone)

I am also heading over to the STEX to check out the maps already released, have them put into SC4 and just stand in awe of the detail and effort put into them! As I've said, I love your maps! :)

Thanks! And you should really make a note of the Drakensberg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakensberg) on your "to-do" or "must-see" list. It is really spectacular and no photo can do it justice! :)

Just drop by the say your works are amazing, besk. you are doing god's works here! I don't know much about mapping but these are absolutly great works, especially the one with the Mt.Hableurg :thumbsup:

I'm agree with dmscopio, your maps are a master piece's, what would we do without those great maps   $%Grinno$%

&apls

Wow! I'm in awe of that map, my friend! The mountains are sculpted perfectly! Amazing work!

Thanks TC, Berethor and DMS, I'm amazed that you guys took the time to check everything out... it's why I keep going in the first place.

And update for BigSlark, The map is coming... just having some internal admin stuff, as well as slight RLS to deal with.... bogging me down. Feel free to harass me anytime with regards to completing that project. I really want to see what you will do with it!

Once again, thanks everyone... if you are really bored, you can check back to my first page... I've come a long way.

Thanks for letting me know that you haven't forgotten the project. I'll mainly be figuring out the scale and how to orient the road network until the Network Widening Mod Beta is released, so there's no real rush.

Keep on churning out amazing maps, I enjoy looking at them even if I don't download them.

Cheers,
Kevin

Kevin,

The map is on it's way today.... I will be attempting 14x14 in size (largest I have attempted).

I have a question... is it possible for you to edit the river system to suit your needs here? I know the end result of the map will not be 100% to your liking with regards to the river coming out of the dam, it will have to be edited. Just wondering as to what your experience is with regards to terraforming (or enhancing) river systems.

Now that I look at the last image, that plain on the left may end up being underwater... I'll see what I can do about that.

I will include a download link in this thread a little later on (or if no one has replied, just edit this).

Glad to see that this is not forgotten! You have one very anxious fan waiting here! :P

Marius,

I try to take care of my fans... heh. btw I added Drakensberg to my official list of projects. Consider it a done deal for all the things you've been taking care of lately. I would think that it would be LEX quality, but the DEM files are in 90m resolution (poor).... I'll see what I can manage, though.

Kevin,

Here is Jackson Mississippi, completed this morning. I originally had the map totally geo-referenced (selecting points on a grid to determine elevation and spatial scale), however, this would make the rivers in the region inadequate, so the map has been lowered a bit. 1:1 maps are beautiful in SC4 (at least I think so), and it pays to know how to do them.

14x14 large tiles... wow. My processor had a good run today, and is up over 65 degrees celsius for the first time in months. You may need a substantial chunk of RAM to get this map loaded. Let me know if you are having any issues with it (I have 2GB DDR2). You will notice the speed of SC4 itself when playing this map will deteriorate substantially. In the end, I hope it's all worth it.

So Check it out, the link to DL is below.
Download NHP Jackson Mississippi, Kevin. (http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/1/26/697076/NHP%20Jackson%20Mississippi%20for%20BigSlark.zip)

On another note, I need some opinions. I have made a Hong Kong Map as a request for a long time NHP supporter. The problem, as I have said in the past, is the quality of the data. Maybe I am too spoiled by 30m, 10m, and 3m datasets... I don't know... but, I have completed the request anyways.

My current plan is to release this map only on the STEX, to avoid cluttering the LEX with less than stellar maps. Have a look, and post your thoughts on the matter, anyways:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg260.imageshack.us%2Fimg260%2F9741%2Fhongkongcopyaq7.jpg&hash=1916fb2ff1bdab256e8fa420b740f76c626cd9f9)

Also, here is an image of Palm Springs. Heblem, is it possible to get you to showcase some images of your terrain mod on this map within city boundaries? If you could, I think that would be the best way to showcase it. I am tied up for the next couple of days on one-off requests for other members....(sigh).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg260.imageshack.us%2Fimg260%2F7319%2Fnhppalmspringsrcbt4.jpg&hash=35f064813edcd73773ddef26f122acf4d97e0c2b)

I have a heck of a list to do in the near future, but if you really have a unique request that will be a challenge (especially in North America - best quality data), post it here like Kevin did. It may take awhile, but I will get to it.

Travis,

Thank you! I have decent terraforming skills, I think it will take some Google Earth and SC4T time to get the river right.

Part of the problem is that the entire area downstream from the dam is cypress swamp that serves as a floodplain. Aside from convincing someone to model cypress trees, figuring out the river system is going to take awhile.

I have a 2.2 Ghz AMD Athlon X2, 2GB of DDR, and an eVGA Nvidia 7600GT. I'm currently building on NHP Calderwood and experienced my first slowdown last night when a city's population hit 400,000. Hopefully everything will be okay.

I will post some pictures this evening, when I get home and get it working.

Thank you again!

Cheers,
Kevin

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on September 26, 2007, 08:05:21 AM
I try to take care of my fans... heh. btw I added Drakensberg to my official list of projects. Consider it a done deal for all the things you've been taking care of lately. I would think that it would be LEX quality, but the DEM files are in 90m resolution (poor).... I'll see what I can manage, though.

Thank you! I am really looking forward to that and am more than delighted, pleased and, well, honoured that you decided to have a go at it!  ;D I hope you can manage something, and I trust it would look great regardless!  :thumbsup:

QuoteOn another note, I need some opinions. I have made a Hong Kong Map as a request for a long time NHP supporter. The problem, as I have said in the past, is the quality of the data. Maybe I am too spoiled by 30m, 10m, and 3m datasets... I don't know... but, I have completed the request anyways.

My current plan is to release this map only on the STEX, to avoid cluttering the LEX with less than stellar maps.

Judging from that image, it is amazing what you've done with it! I also think it is much better than any previous attempts at it on the STEX, and I do feel that you would be spoiling them rotten over there.  :P

I really think you've done an amazing job of it and I cannot tell what the issue is with poor quality of data, because to me it looks stellar!  ()stsfd()

As for the STEX / LEX thing... I don't think I'm in any position to answer that.  &mmm

QuoteAlso, here is an image of Palm Springs. Heblem, is it possible to get you to showcase some images of your terrain mod on this map within city boundaries? If you could, I think that would be the best way to showcase it. I am tied up for the next couple of days on one-off requests for other members....(sigh).

Heblem's terrain looks awesome on that map! I do hope he decides to showcase a bit of it!  :thumbsup:

QuoteI have a heck of a list to do in the near future, but if you really have a unique request that will be a challenge (especially in North America - best quality data), post it here like Kevin did. It may take awhile, but I will get to it.

Thanks for the offer, I will keep it in mind! Well, actually... I was reading a National Geographic Article today with amazing photos and maps of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterton-Glacier_International_Peace_Park) area? So, if you really have nothing else to do, you can always give that a go!  ;D

Looking forward to what you get up to and viewing the progress! Keep up the good work!  ()stsfd()

After I get back to home (im at school now) i will show here some pictures closely for the terrain mod, no problem  ;)

About the DATA, I agree with besk I can help in making 16-bit maps too, if you want a map of a specific area just ask (better at North America; Mexico, United States and Canada)

what a surprise to see the Hongkong map! very impressive! i got one request tho, in the hongkong map could you also include Shenzhen in it?It is located north of HK:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iec-international.com%2Fshenzhen.jpg&hash=6842b0938a244b6febd748effdcc1ba7f8c43373)

it is my hometown and i can't find any map of it in LEX and STEX. 
Anyway, thanks for making this map, my friend!

i made a Shenzen and a Hong Kong map some time ago...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg77.imageshack.us%2Fimg77%2F495%2Fhkoy5.jpg&hash=7168bdefeb48fcf35d0c4916d29c4ae9a069da3f)

Is that a scale (as per our procedure) map? If it is, it looks excellent, and maybe we should upload that one to the STEX.

That way there, DMS can have Shenzen too (My map is 14x8 large tiles... with Shenzen, it would likely be 14x14 large tiles.... massive).

Whichever way, no problem!

Helbem: &apls Awesome!!! is that map uploaded to STEX or LEX? I gonna get my hands on that one.
Besk: Thanks for adding shenzhen in there.  ;D I might start creating my own Shenzhen CJ now. Looking forwards to your next update!

These maps are fantastic! &apls

beskhu3epnm, you are a truly master!  :thumbsup:

I have one question: what do you think, would it be possible to build on the Hong Kong map something similar to the real Hong Kong?
I think in the context of SC4 limitations, especially slope tolerance of various buildings and transit networks.
As I remember, there was a discussion about the scale in SC4 on ST long time ago (but I don't remember any conclusions, my knowledge about SC4 was very poor at that moment :))
I am also curious, did anybody research the problem of the height scale (what looks more realistic in SC4 - to keep the real terrain scale or to modify it in any way - and wchich way? Sorry for bad English ::)

Thanks everyone for the comments!

DMS, I can spin a Shenzen map up, hopefully by tomorrow... but then again, I don't want to be the guy responsible for you to stop BATing!!  :D

What I may do is leave the Hong Kong map for the STEX, and specially make the Shenzen/HK map for you in my thread (then you can have the only copy!). We'll see what Heblem says.

Ennedi,

The scale of the map is very consistent with real life. SC4 uses greyscale image pixels to determine where to place the tiles, so that 1 tile = 1 pixel. Using some math, you can figure out that a tile is 4km x 4km. This puts the scale per pixel around 16m (same as lot editor). When I make a map, I ensure that 1 pixel = 16m, so it always comes out in 1:1 scale.

Hong Kong is very massive, and to replicate it would take years, I think... but, it would be up to the user, really. Slope tolerance has always been an issue with SC4, especially with buildings and transit networks, which can look unrealistic if left to their own devices.

As far as height scale, I use Digital Elevation Models (DEM), created by Shuttle Radar Topography Missions (SRTM). This data was created for the whole world, and gives accurate elevations of the terrain features. Since I use this, I can calibrate SC4TF to import the map at the exact elevations that are reported in the DEM file.

So what is presented here (and all of my maps for the most part) is 1:1 scale in both area, and elevation. The limiting factor is the quality (resolution) of the data. HK for this map uses 90m (lower = better. I also use 30m, 10m, and 3m), which is poor resolution. So, it would be tough to 100% re-create Hong Kong... but you could get very close.

I hope this answers all of your questions, and if you have any more... that's why I have a thread! Ask as many as you need to!

Take Care

Sorry to be 'resurrecting' this topic after more than a month, but this is just one of those threads that I do not want to see die and fade into obscurity.  ;D

So, just to let you know that I, for one, have not forgotten about you, I thought I'd just post in here.  :)

I hope to see you back in action and in the full swing of things again soon. All the best of luck with your endeavours - SC4-related and RLS.  :thumbsup:

I'll leave the light on.  %confuso

Regards,

- Marius

Oh.. M.. You havent been around Besk all that long have you.. LOL

He tends to run through phases and maps, maps, maps... then quiet for a month or two... then all of a sudden he has 4 maps ready.  Hehe.

JP's got it right for sure!

I have some good plans for November, just you wait! In the meantime, some things have most definitely come up... to the point where the best I can do in the community is just keep an eye out for anything that comes up (like my thread!). Besides, I would have likely bumped it anyways when the time was right...

I have 3 projects lined up for November, when I should be more free to participate... One of them, M, you know, as we've discussed it.

NOTE to community: I am available to answer any questions regarding anything involving maps, I can take that much time out of my day to keep everyone informed, etc. But as for full scale projects, I've had to scale back for now.

Like I say, JP sums it up nicely.. hahaha

Take care

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on October 27, 2007, 09:45:45 AM
NOTE to community: I am available to answer any questions regarding anything involving maps, I can take that much time out of my day to keep everyone informed, etc. But as for full scale projects, I've had to scale back for now.

Thank you for information, I was thinking about sending you a few questions, but I was not sure if you had any time ;)

Excellent, Ennedi, I was thinking of you when I made that statement. But I'm open to everyone, though!

I am available to work with you on the understanding and sharing of knowledge that I have! Anytime you are ready, just let me know (it's difficult to find time, huh?)

Take care again!

If you remember the Columbia River Valley map you released after I requested it: progress on that map is going well. It is hard to find places to build, but the results are worth it. You can see it being built on in my CJ. :P

SA, seeing as how that map is my complete pride and joy, I am definitely going to be taking an hour or so to catch up on your MD/CJ. I was up to the point just before you made the switch, I guess. See you over there! (EDIT: well it only took me like 4 minutes to catch up, 55 day layoff, you know!!)

For those still reading my thread, drop it and GO check out SA's MD/CJ, you will not regret it under any circumstances.

Ensenada by Shadow Assassin (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=824.msg85125#new)

Hey Besk, good to see ya :thumbsup:  Look forward to your Nov. projects ;)

Yes, I know. But I had real life issues, so that's why I didn't update my CJ for 55 days. :P In any case, the updates will become smaller and more frequent to keep Ensenada in people's minds.  ;D

I actually think I've gotten better at building on hilly areas, thanks to this map. :P

SA - yeah I definitely know what you are saying there. I think I'm getting better as well, but I suffer from this thing where everything on hills has to be perfect ie. perfectly angled slopes onto flat ground everywhere, etc. But at least it's a start for me. I notice you handle these things far better, judging from the elevation near the river.

blade2k5 - Troy, just can't seem to hit ya on here man. Sheesh! btw I love that line at the bottom of your signature, it's incredibly funny. I don't mean to laugh every time I see your posts... but... what can I say?!?! Hopefully we can catch up soon man!

No pics!  ()what()

Just kidding!  :D

Good luck with your endeavours, and I am looking forward to your projects - especially that 'special' one.  ;D

Keep well and stay safe!

Regards,

- Marius

OK Marius, you win! Picture time!

Here is a pic of one of my projects (already completed) that will be released in November. You only get the sneak peek at this stage. It's the Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay, Ontario (dedgren knows the giant personally). He is sleeping in the ground:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F2452%2Fpicwondersleepinggiantlnv3.jpg&hash=1529198fa34753b3cb1e93bccb6e8428ad4b1fa2)

So I went ahead and made the map of the park (covering the boundaries the best I could). Here is the end result. The shoreline has some great building opportunities, etc. As well as the giant itself:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg223.imageshack.us%2Fimg223%2F6858%2Fnhpsleepinggiantrcoh0.jpg&hash=b1b38b16dd8a6c830be1e05a4fc8446784bdabea)

So feel free to comment on this upcoming project. I can modify it to better suit the community if that's what's needed. The map will be 5 large tiles wide by 3 large tiles tall, giving it a reasonable size (a rarity for me). So, what do you think?

Ah, that does look interesting! Much too flat to my taste, but a great work regardless!  $%Grinno$%  &apls

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on October 28, 2007, 01:33:37 AM
blade2k5 - Troy, just can't seem to hit ya on here man. Sheesh! btw I love that line at the bottom of your signature, it's incredibly funny. I don't mean to laugh every time I see your posts... but... what can I say?!?! Hopefully we can catch up soon man!

tell me about it.....every time I see you online, you're already gone &mmm but hopefully we'll bump into one another one of these days. Anyways, love the new map and yeah, it is kind of a small map from you, but hey! :thumbsup:  People love smaller maps....in fact, I'm thinking about doing a series of smaller maps myself here in the very near future.   

That quote in my signature is not original, I took it from some gift shop plaque my father in-law has, but no name was given as to who coined it.  I find it amusing too ;)

The Sleeping Giant Park looks great, beskhu3epnm! I never heard of that before, I had to look it up on a map!

Quote from: M4346 on October 28, 2007, 09:03:30 AM
Ah, that does look interesting! Much too flat to my taste, but a great work regardless!  $%Grinno$%  &apls

It looks deceptively flat to me--there are definitely some differences in elevation that are visible, but I think there's some that we can't see. I guess we'll find out!

This map has a vertical relief in the following:

Sea Level: 250m
Maximum Elevation: 627m
Total Relief: 377m (1236ft)

This definitely is not in line with my typical maps where relief ranges from 500-2200m.

It's not too bad. I think this map would benefit the player who makes suburbs with some variety, and enjoys the subtle challenge involved in managing these parameters. It would be interesting to see what anyone would do with the giant itself!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F4172%2Fgiantey7.jpg&hash=915771756d0611387ac84edcee605fd8bb178f35)
(yes I've been there personally! 8.5 hours in hiking, 27km over the whole system of trails)

Regardless, my maps have been quite extreme over the time I've been here, so this one is a bit of a cool off for me! As per my usual motto, as long as one person enjoys playing it, my job has been done!

Another project I have on the go, if you wish to have vertical relief, is Mount Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska. This mountain should take the entire 5750m of available land elevation to make, making it the most extreme map I've ever made. You guys now know of 2 of my projects (Marius knows the other).

blade2k5 - Missed you again!!! Maybe I should go on MSN one of these days, huh? hahaha

Hi, Travis.

I really envy you and your absolutely wonderful ability to create such breath-taking and beautiful maps!  (Hmm.  I wonder if I could get any more descriptive words in that sentence...)

Seriously, though, your Sleeping Giant Provincial Park map is just gorgeous.  I really must get over my fear of trying to make a real world map.  They are just awesome, my friend.

Thanks for the sneek peek.

Regards,

Gary

beskhu3epnm, the Sleeping Giant looks spectacular! I've only seen it a couple times in person, but that replication is breath taking.

Another beauty, crazy accurate!
not enough time...not enough time ;)

Couple of Canadians here! Nice to see you all. Kitsune, if you ever get a chance to go hiking there, it will blow you away... it's an amazing place for sure.

Have you seen this in RL, Phil? You are in Manitoba, if I remember correctly...

Completed my second of 3 projects, and getting the location for the third. No more previews! This is supposed to be a birthday bash, so there should be some element of surprise... Sleeping Giant is the first on the list though.

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on November 01, 2007, 04:09:20 PM
Couple of Canadians here! Nice to see you all. Kitsune, if you ever get a chance to go hiking there, it will blow you away... it's an amazing place for sure.

Last time I was in Thunder Bay was 5 years ago, which is also the last time I made the cross country trip from Calgary to Sudbury(I'm orginally from Sudbury, Calgary was second, Toronto is third after a breif year in Sudbury). Thunder Bay was always one of the designated stops, however I never did much exploring. I kinda regret that now. If I ever had back out west(at this point, its either West or another Country for me in a couple years), I plan on taking my time to do some exploring along the way. Toronto is just so boring for my likes.....

With that said, I'm eagerly awaiting this map, its great to get more Northern Ontario Maps out there, I think the only one is the Sudbury map on the Stex, so the Sleeping Giant will be a excellent addition. Great Work  :thumbsup:

I've done a few maps of the area here in the north. My residence is about an hour and a half drive west from Sudbury, so I definitely see the area here as a beautiful place. I have been to Thunder Bay a few times this year, and am fascinated with the giant.

So not only do we have a fellow Canadian here, we have a fellow northern Ontario-ian!

Many times, though, the area does not transfer well to SC4, mostly due to the differing elevations of all of the lakes. The sleeping giant has over 1200ft of elevation gain, yet it still gets heat for being too short! It makes life difficult in the realm of RL SC4 mapping in northern Ontario.

Project Update:
I would post a preview of my next project (status: completed) Mt. McKinley. Members, do a quick search of this mountain, and you will see what you are in for. Region Census has an error exporting the ingame image (max elevation: 6000m), I have to figure out an alternative right now...

EDIT: Got it to work!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg512.imageshack.us%2Fimg512%2F5644%2Fmtmckinleykf1.jpg&hash=2bb42dc5c90104f8144c159d4f69914e5c8df2ae)

I know I said no preview, but I just can't help myself!

Hey Travis.
I have been past Thunder Bay a number of times traveling east/west, but sadly have not stopped there for long.
I did get a neat view of the Seeping Giant by air a couple of years ago when our eastbound flight made a stopover in Thunder Bay.

My wife and I always seem to travel west to the rockies, most of my family is out there.
But we had already decided that this coming summer to head east.
I think we will start at Rushing River park just east of Kenora, and then work our way east from there.

Thunder Bay's not that far!

Nice promo shot for McKinley; not sure how you will get a decent region pic with the 6000m limit.
What does McKinley top out at, I imagine around 6800m?

Could you change the elevation of the floor of that region to be just above sea level,
(lowering your overall max elevation, but leaving your elevation gain intact)
or is that actually the case in real life?

Hey Phil!

Sounds like you travel a lot, brother. Canada is something else, I miss the rest of it constantly when I'm home. Thunder Bay is one of my favourite spots, so I do my best to honor it. If you get to T-Bay, you can't miss this giant...

For McKinley, I will most likely lower the map some. The mountain is listed at 6194m (20322ft), so the map was made with a full range (the lowest elevation in the region was 98m).

My original creation was a 14x14 tile monster (it included the large plain to the south of the mountain... only 98m above sea level), just to get the scale right (98-6194). I had to subtract 194 from the summit, and compress the map slightly to fit.

I selected the 8x8 section you see here. The minimum/maximum referenced elevation is 438m-6000m (the plain has been eliminated). This is after un-compressing the elevations. The map is now in vertical scale.

In reality, this portion of the McKinley map is already in the highlands, so it can be lowered so that the minimum elevation is close to 250 (sea level in SC4). I will do this before release, as this only takes 2 seconds!

This mountain is huge in both area and elevation. Only the most skilled players (Phil included!) can get any real benefit from it. Some city tiles are fairly flat (they are on avalanche slopes) and can be built on easily.

We'll see how it goes once I get it uploaded...

I hope that explanation made some sense, it's kind of jumbled!

I see another masterspiece here &apls

I must say I'm very interested in this map, yes there are many flat areas here, but to connect them... :D
I understand it's a highlands area, but I'm sure there are some rivers and streams in valleys. I think I would try to lower the terrain a bit to make a minimum elevation slightly above 250 m and enable to make main rivers/streams using ingame water  ;)
Now I'm working with connections between ingame and ploppable water and I think it can be made quite good.

I have some other ideas &idea, so I will wait for this fantastic map!
You are a true master, Travis! :thumbsup:

whoa, that MT.Mckinley map is crazy! that will be tougher to build on than MT. Rainier. w00 h00 i love me a good challenge.  :'(

i have talked to travis about the Hong Kong map release, and NEVER meant to take credit for a map that was not mine, but i had to either:

A). release it on the STEX, or
B). lose the map entirley due to a re-format of my HDD.

if any of u on the NHP team would like me to take it down, by all means please let me know.

i did give credit where it was due, and will not forget that NHP is my favorite map squad. i will continue to be a huge supporter of NHP and everything u release, and do not release.

thanx,
  demetrius

Thanks for the comments regarding my upcoming Mt. McKinley release! I'm happy with it, but you know, the region shot has that nasty error on it that causes some pixels to disappear.

Perhaps when I take Phil's suggestion and lower it about 250m, this will subside somewhat. I will try to get an updated RC shot to see if this is the case.

Ennedi: The MD'er who takes RL terrain and makes fabulous art with it! This map... would be quite the challenge for a regular Joe like me. Someone such as yourself could make wonders with this one. There are tons of places for tunnels and nature, the whole deal. I'm glad that it has caught your interest! In reality, this area is entirely under snow/ice cover. We can assume my terrain mod represents the future, with the whole golbal warming thing. Thank you for your comment!

dadyrghluv: Don't be too concerned regarding that release, I gave it the OK now, and it will stay up. It would be my property to worry about, and I say don't worry! PM's are a better way to resolve this, anyways. Thanks for the comment regarding Mt. McKinley, perhaps you could do an MD on it! That would be awesome, the more the merrier!

Take care, guys!

Travis

Quotethe region shot has that nasty error on it that causes some pixels to disappear

That's probably because the Region Census can only show terrain within the default parameters for elevation range... I  think it's because you've gone further and higher than the RC was originally intended for. :P

Love the map, though.

It is not region census fault, but SC4.The thumbnail has a fixed max height size

i would do a MD on one of NHP's maps, but i am no good at planning a city the way i would want, and therefore do no justice to the map itself. lol.

i had no idea there was a height restriction in place for thumbnails and the region census, thats good to know, i shall keep that in mind when posting future pics of regions. nice tip thanx again. i learn something new about this game everyday.  &apls

Thank you guys for the support.

wouanagaine, I thought I had this solved, with several in-game shots of mountains in the 5000m range, whereas others would have this problem with the RC.

Now I never realized that the thumbnail was the problem, thanks for clarification!

Sleeping Giant is now available on the LEX for those few players that can find a use for it. I'm planning on releasing Mt. McKinley on the STEX as well, just to showcase what I've been up to lately, in case everyone over there has forgotten me. I know it goes against what I said earlier, but I feel this project may be too nice to miss out for some people, so I'll share it.

Anyways, stay tuned over the next couple of days. I will be showcasing my third release this month. I can tell you that it is monumental, and will showcase a set of terrain/mountains I've never imagined before...

I've decided to possibly add 2 new projects to my planned 3 for a total of 5 this month. I'll try to keep my 3 fans updated as much as possible!

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on November 08, 2007, 11:43:28 AM
........... I'll try to keep my 3 fans updated as much as possible!

Believe me when I say you have more than three fans out there.  You have at least four.   ;)
Your maps are amazing.  It's just that I don't know what to say.

&apls &apls &apls

Robin  :thumbsup:

i hope i'm one of those 3! but in all seriousness u have more than 3 fans. u must be crazy to think a thing like that.

i cant wait to see the newest projects. and looking forward to MT. Mckinley

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on November 08, 2007, 11:43:28 AMAnyways, stay tuned over the next couple of days. I will be showcasing my third release this month. I can tell you that it is monumental, and will showcase a set of terrain/mountains I've never imagined before...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbsc.tripwired.co.za%2FSmileys%2FCAL%2520Smileys%2Fsmitten.gif&hash=fc49f12f2163081e1196a98cfe5478c6a02b86dd)

QuoteI've decided to possibly add 2 new projects to my planned 3 for a total of 5 this month. I'll try to keep my 3 fans updated as much as possible!

Well! I'm sorry if I'm not a regular and über-dedicated fan, but I am a fan nonetheless!  :angrymore:

:P Keep up the good work here... ;)

SEE I TOLD YOU!!!!

3 FANS!!

Just kidding, I know you guys are all hiding in the woodwork somewhere... heh.

The other 2 projects I am considering are Archipelago-like in nature (several islands). I've never attempted this type of map before, having been consumed by mountains in most of my previous releases. I figure it's time to mix it up a bit, right?

Anyways, thanks for the support guys, I'm doing my best this month!

Yes, yes, of course! Broaden your and explore new horizons.  :D Pardon the pun.  ;)

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on November 08, 2007, 12:30:53 PM
SEE I TOLD YOU!!!!

3 FANS!!

Just kidding, I know you guys are all hiding in the woodwork somewhere... heh.

The other 2 projects I am considering are Archipelago-like in nature (several islands). I've never attempted this type of map before, having been consumed by mountains in most of my previous releases. I figure it's time to mix it up a bit, right?

Anyways, thanks for the support guys, I'm doing my best this month!

Im a fan, but I probably count as a -3 fans so in reality you have no fans... LOL

QuoteThe other 2 projects I am considering are Archipelago-like in nature (several islands).

That's definitely going to be interesting. Have you thought about doing a coastal map with a river, reasonably flat for a city? :P

yea i gotta agree with shadow on that one, maybe try one that ain't 30,000 feet in the air. although i like the mountainous ones due to realism, especially with the snow capped mod on it.

but yea, try one that is someone flat with some water in it. lots of costal area's, similair to Amazon map!

JP: -3 friends? Yeah, sounds about right! You always balance everything out for me over here, LOL!

SA: Well I've made things like that in the past, with limited results. In fact, if you're interested I have a map in my archives that has the following attributes:

tons of flat-ish land
several rivers
a coastline
a mountain range (imposed from another map I have)
manhattan island (from my 1:1 NYC island)

The problem with that map, is that the flat land is somewhat featureless. Hey maybe we could do a joint project where I send you the map, and you make a few modifications in the TF. Are you decent at it? We could release it as a joint venture, and it would be fabulous!

dadyrghluv: The amazon map is one of my favorites. There's no way I could ever match that water system. Mogs is the king. But I try!

An archipelago map would be great! There's a severe lack of islands and groups of islands as maps for SC4. If the archipelago had several bigger islands for bigger cities, then that would be great.

-- John

yea to date, amazon is my favorite map, mostly due to the water layout, and islands everywhere.

not sure what a archipelago map means. to me it sounds arctic, am i right? whats a good example of one of these maps, since i am not familiar with it, and i was never good at geology.

John and dadyrghluv, thank you for commenting, I really do appreciate it. I value any member's input here, and read everything you all have to say (if I were the author of 3RR, I don't know if I would have enough time though!)

An Archipelago-style map would consist of a series of tightly-woven islands in fairly close proximity to each other (something you'd find in the tropics, but can be found the world over). I've had two personal requests for this style of map, both for RL locations, so I've decided I want to fill them. They are superb (and very large) and I think will look great on the LEX.

Mt. McKinley will be released within 7 days here at the LEX, and within 10 days at the STEX... Just giving a little heads up... My third project shortly after that.

Quote from: beskhu3epnm on November 09, 2007, 02:35:31 PMMt. McKinley will be released within 7 days here at the LEX, and within 10 days at the STEX... Just giving a little heads up... My third project shortly after that.

<  grumble...   &sly  gripe...     >:(  complain...   :angrymore:  >

Must be nice to have that much time and be able to crank out map after map after map.  Some of us just don't have that luxury.

;D

All kidding aside, Besk, you've really be doing a great job creating these wonderful maps.  Please know that even though I don't post much, I am following ALL NHP developments.

Great work, my friend.

Regards,

Gary

Quoteand you make a few modifications in the TF. Are you decent at it? We could release it as a joint venture, and it would be fabulous!

I don't use the TF much, but I mainly specialise in coastlines and river systems. Not good at mountains, unfortunately. :P


Hand-terraforming on the other hand...

Quote from: Shadow Assassin on November 09, 2007, 05:40:00 PM
I don't use the TF much, but I mainly specialise in coastlines and river systems. Not good at mountains, unfortunately. :P

Hand-terraforming on the other hand...

Hmmm...  Did someone say hand-terraforming mountains, coastlines and river systems?  Hmmm?

;D

Regards,

Gary

It seems Gary has some sort of auto-search feature enabled to track down the term "hand-terraforming." Like a master watching over it's puppets! Thanks for the support Gary, whether from close or afar, it's nice to know you're keeping an eye on things!

SA: The map I speak of is just lacking a little direction. I'm looking for something to do with just the mainland, but you've got roadways on the brain (NAM guru)! I may pass it over to one of our teammates (SC4TF masters) for some additions. NHP FTW!

If only I could of done the amazon map at the properscale.

I do coastlines well but when it comes to mountains I have trouble.  I leave them as raw as possible I prefer it raw for the mountains. Also there is no right awnser when it comes to scaling a real world map verticaly(elevation) if the land has been scaled.

I used 20 m elevation steps in the image then smoothed the river beds in SCTF for the missing data.

Besky is king of the mountains.

We gotta do a project sometime. King of the mountains and King of the rivers/lakes.

It would be awesome.

QuoteHmmm...  Did someone say hand-terraforming mountains, coastlines and river systems?  Hmmm?

Why, yes, I did. :P

I'm pretty good at those things in the SC4 built-in terraformer. :P

Quotebut you've got roadways on the brain (NAM guru)!

That IS true... but I can do a map if you want... :P

SA - May look to do a joint project with you sometime in December/January. I'm interested to see your skills on the old fashioned terraformer. Also, to get your name on an NHP map would be awesome! Different styles produce different results... We shall see, eh?

In the meantime, I've got a new upload to share with the community:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg69.imageshack.us%2Fimg69%2F2462%2Fnhpmatinendarchg2.jpg&hash=fb78dc7bd99cccb6a519d5adbf3ecb81539a7b44)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg113.imageshack.us%2Fimg113%2F4359%2Fnhpmatinendaoverviewns6.jpg&hash=1c567b6d0523fe29c310982e85007cbadaabd47e)

Little bit of a change of plans. This project was something I had dug out of the back of my hard drive. I had given up on it. About to throw it away, I asked blade2k5 if he would like to try his hand at some modification to the map. VOILA!!! Pure genius! Not only that, but the map gets some custom hand made canals to go with the awesome scenery.

This map was a blank river/land template. I dropped some mountains on it from my Columbia River Valley map. I then threw in Manhattan Island (NW area) on there, and the Sleeping Giant (SE Area). I did some work on the map, but it was fairly flat. blade2k5 came in and saved this map from oblvion.

It should be a map for everyone. It's all 1:1 scaled, despite being a fantasy map (1:1 because of the regions I superimposed over it).

Try it out, and get back to me. Hope you guys enjoy this project!

I like how the canals turned out, they look great, but then again I'm biased since I'm the one who added those in.  That's about the only feature I added to an already stunning map.  They do look better than the canals from the Four Rivers Dale map I did some months back.  I'm actually looking forward to developing this map and see what I get.  Should be a lot of fun.

This is something different. I like it. :P

The canals are an interesting touch.

hey Shadow, are any of these maps available in file exchange, I would like to look at them before I decide to download a couple of maps to try out.

Your Friend;
Mayor Of Steven's Point & Maxiston
(Proud To Be Cities Of Sim Nation!

The majority of maps shown in this thread can be found on the SC4DLEX. The link is here: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/

You will need to create an account there. Once your account's been created, just login to the LEX. Then, look down the left side of the screen for a drop-down menu called 'Map - Terraformer' (there are more maps in 'Map - Standard') and hit the Search button under the drop-down list. These maps should show up there.

As for my maps, I don't have any (seeing as I haven't created any :P) on the LEX.

Alright, Besk.  Enough is enough.  It was "bad" enough that Heblem started a thread of his beautiful map archives and then YOU had to post (actually you posted first but who's keeping track...) your latest team effort with Blade.  What an absolutely gorgeous map the two of you have collaborated on.  I am so very impressed with it and the quality which the two of you consistently produce.

Great map by two great mappers!

Regards,

Gary

I have a new project!! It's Mt. Shasta located in Northern California.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg516.imageshack.us%2Fimg516%2F4016%2Fnhpmtshastarcwt5.jpg&hash=b3c2a00f51610c0db2ed4241eaec6e682a8f7db5)
The map is a 9x9 design (2305x2305).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg518.imageshack.us%2Fimg518%2F9285%2Fmtshastaal5.jpg&hash=51ee57f5d6e8dbc69a6d14f0b38118c8250bb069)

The map is okay. It's aggressive, with lots of terrain variation. But I was needing something more, so I went ahead and modified the landscape. This was the result:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg518.imageshack.us%2Fimg518%2F1678%2Fmtshastafantasymapfg5.jpg&hash=21a24f3e80709cd4661fa7d3d7cc0a21141beeae)

This map is also of 9x9 design. Seeing perhaps some wasted space, I proceeded to trim it down even further:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg516.imageshack.us%2Fimg516%2F5250%2Fmtshastafantasymapminiun8.jpg&hash=322984f1b6c146d27db19fa180a3303526016863)
This one is 6x8 (1537x2049). The shorelines I created use quite random directions, so the results are acceptable.

I'm looking at uploading the 9x9 land version, and the 6x8 water version as seperate uploads.

Anyways, thanks for looking, guys.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg112.imageshack.us%2Fimg112%2F752%2Fniicewq8.jpg&hash=33d7702c9dfc70c629ea984459da01e89a4ac7f2)

Oh my, that water version is sweet!
Do I dare download this and start up another region
Decisions decisions....